Description
This Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and pasta are smothered in a creamy, flavorful ranch sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (16 ounce) box pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, extra ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together chicken broth, milk, and cream cheese until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the remaining ranch seasoning mix.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and/or extra ranch seasoning, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers to the pasta bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 35g
