Craving a mouthwatering comfort food that'll have your family begging for seconds? Get ready to discover the ultimate Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake - a creamy, cheesy sensation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just 45 minutes! This irresistible dish combines the tangy goodness of ranch dressing, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with melted cheese that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Ensure the pasta is well-drained and the chicken is at room temperature for even mixing.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and chicken. Gently fold the ingredients together, making sure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Scatter the chopped green onions over the cheese layer for added flavor and color.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starts to turn golden brown at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional green onions if desired. Pair with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- For the most flavorful result, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken and ensure it's shredded into bite-sized pieces.
- Make sure to drain your pasta thoroughly to prevent a watery dish. A few extra shakes in the colander can make a big difference.
- Feel free to customize the cheese - while the recipe calls for a standard shredded cheese, you can experiment with cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking for a crispy golden topping.
- Prep tip: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from cold.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of full-fat ranch dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
