True comfort food is found in this simple, yet delicious, homestyle cheesy recipe that only takes a few minutes of effort because you can let your slow cooker (or CrockPot) do all of the actual work. Your family’s new favorite meal to add to the dinner rotation is sure to be this Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese.
I have decided that the true test to see if I have gotten a recipe just right is to watch my family’s reaction when they ask me what we are having for dinner. If there is little excitement, or worse, whining… then I know that I need to keep tweaking the recipe until I am able to get a better reaction.
Well, this particular meal is one that I’ve been working on and not only were my kids happy about having it for dinner last night, but when I reheated the left-overs for lunch today, they were still pleased that it was what we were eating.
A “family tested” delicious meal is a great thing to have in ones back pocket, but the best part about this recipe is that it is just as easy as two of my other super-simple “one pot” slow cooker recipes (CrockPot Spaghetti and Easy CrockPot Buffalo Chicken Pasta).
These recipes appeal to people because they only take a handful or so minutes of prep, only use one dish (being the slow cooker itself so there are hardly any dishes), and are super tasty!
How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in the slow cooker:
I’m going to start out by showing you the ingredients, the process, and then share the recipe later on…I’m fully aware that I’m not the best photographer, so keep that in mind as you’re scrolling…lol.
The chicken and some water are the only ingredients missing from this picture…everyone knows what a chicken breast looks like so I did not add it. I use Hidden Valley Bacon Flavored Ranch, Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend, Real Bacon Pieces/Bits, and then whatever Macaroni noodles are on hand.
Here goes the process: I start by greasing my Seven Quart CrockPot. Then add the Chicken.
Then the Bacon Flavored Ranch.
Then the Bacon pieces.
Then cook it until the chicken is done.
Once the chicken is done cooking, it’s time to chunk it up!
Next I add the Macaroni noodles…I love making it with shell noodles too.
Then the chunked up chicken and the water.
Then the cheese!!! I put the lid back on and let it cook the remaining time.
When it’s done, it’s time to mix it all up and serve!
I added a tiny bit more cheese and bacon crumbles to the top to garnish.
Hungry yet? It’s a major comfort food and obviously not very healthy…but it’s Oh, so goooood!
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac 'N Cheese
Quick and Easy dinner idea. It's comfort food at its finest. This dish is perfect for those days that you want a home-cooked meal but don't have the time or energy to spend hours cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 Large Chicken Breasts
- 1 C. Bacon Ranch Dressing
- ½ to 1 C. Real Bacon Bits
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
- 3 C HOT Water
- ½ C (4 oz) Kraft Italian Five Cheese (generic Italian cheese blend works too)
Instructions
- Grease a 7 quart CrockPot.
- Add the Chicken, Bacon Ranch Dressing, and Bacon Pieces. Cover and set on High 4-6 hours, or Low 7-8. You'll know it's ready when the chicken is done.
- Remove the chicken and chunk it to your desired size pieces. Add the Macaroni noodles to the bottom of the crock, place the chunked chicken on top, then add the HOT water(must be hot so you don't risk breaking your crock). Replace the lid and let cook for another 30 minutes. Add the cheese. Mix well. Should be ready to serve. Just check that the noodles are soft enough, if not replace the lid and give it a few more minutes to cook.
Notes
Can garnish with extra bacon pieces and cheese.
Occasionally you may need to add more hot water, if so, do it about ½ cup at a time then stir, let it cook a bit more, and check it again. Repeat as necessary.
It’s seriously one of the best bacon Crockpot recipes!
I hope your family likes it as much as mine does! It’s not only a regular on our dinner meal rotation, but it’s also often requested as the special meal one of my kids want for their Birthday dinner, so that says something. 😉
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to share it via social media, or even send the direct link to your family, friends, and coworkers. Whichever way you share it, I really appreciate the support!~Sarah
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P.S. You may also like my entire Slow Cooker section, so make sure to spend some time browsing it.
Here are a few of my other other slow cooker posts you’re going to want to check out too:
For those of you that would like another option of a “Pinnable” image to share on Pinterest, here you go (thanks again for the support!):
*Reposts: Please note that this idea/post was originally posted to this website on 07/23/2016, but it was in great need of a refresh so it now is more user friendly/shareable and has a free printable recipe card.