Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Shells – Creamy & Cheesy Family Favorite

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to treat your family to a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic?

Some recipes earn a permanent place in the family rotation, and this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Shells is exactly that kind of dish. It brings together everything people love about cozy, home-style cooking: tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch flavor, and plenty of melted cheese. 🧀🥓 From the moment it goes into the oven, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that feels welcoming and familiar, like a warm hug at the end of the day.

Stuffed shells have long been a favorite at family tables because they’re generous by nature. Each shell is filled with care, making every serving feel special. This version leans into comforting American flavors while still respecting the heart of traditional baked pasta dishes—simple steps, honest ingredients, and a result that’s meant to be shared. The ranch seasoning adds a gentle tang, the chicken keeps it hearty, and the bacon brings that little extra something everyone looks forward to. ✨

This is the kind of casserole that works for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or make-ahead meals that save time later. It’s rich without being fussy, indulgent without being overwhelming, and perfect for feeding hungry kids and adults alike. Serve it with a simple salad or some warm bread, and you’ve got a meal that brings people together around the table—exactly what family food is all about. 😊

Ingredients 🛒

For the Pasta:

• 20–22 jumbo pasta shells
• Water and salt, for boiling

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce or creamy ranch-style sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells until just al dente, according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
4. Spoon the chicken bacon ranch mixture into each cooked shell, filling generously.
5. Spread half of the Alfredo or creamy ranch sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
7. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. 🍽️

Nutritional Information 🥗

This dish is rich, satisfying, and designed to please the whole family. It provides protein from the chicken and cheese, energy from the pasta, and comforting fats that make every bite indulgent. For a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cheeses or turkey bacon while keeping all the familiar flavors intact. 💛

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~520 | 🍽️ Servings: 4–5

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️