Name: Quick Cheesy Ranch-Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup half-and-half; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; 1 ½ cups chicken (cooked and chopped); 1 packet ranch salad dressing (1 ounce); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 8 ounces pasta; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

This quick-baked dinner casserole combines pasta noodles and cooked
shredded chicken with a packet of dry ranch dressing and not 1, not 2 but 3
different types of cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. This cheesy
chicken casserole also ditches the canned soup called for in so many classic
casseroles. Instead, it features a made-from-scratch velvety sauce. Craving a
spicy twist? Toss in shredded pepper jack cheese for extra kick!

A blue casserole dish with cheesy chicken pasta.

The Creamiest Chicken Ranch Casserole

Are you looking for a quick, pasta casserole that everyone will love? And even better, a recipe that uses basic ingredients? If so, a Ranch chicken pasta bake is a meal you will make again and again.

If you’re short on time this cheesy chicken casserole with a buttery, garlicky herb sauce will become one of your go-to recipes. It’s simple to make and will please even the pickiest eaters, especially if you’re serving kids (or adults!) who wrinkle their noses any time a vegetable crosses their path!

This recipe ditches the canned soup called for in so many casseroles. Instead, it features a made-from-scratch velvety sauce that tastes fresh and is delicious, similar to the sauce in chicken broccoli rice casserole.

It reminds me of a baked mac and cheese but with three kinds of melty, gooey cheese and chicken added in. The dried Ranch dressing gives it that unique Ranch flavor. This is truly comfort food at its best and it’s so easy!

A spoon in a dish of baked pasta with cheese on top.

Who Doesn’t Love a Cheesy Casserole

This simple cheesy chicken pasta is perfect for weekday dinners when time is short.
Parmesan and garlic add depth to the rich, thick, homemade sauce.
Ranch seasoning creates a creamy, zippy herb taste that will make you go back for more.
It’s fun to experiment with different types of pasta each time you make the casserole.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Ingredients for chicken ranch casserole.

Chicken – use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. A rotisserie chicken makes this super easy. If you have a few minutes, cook your own chicken breasts, you’ll see how easy it really is to have tender chicken breasts.
Cheese – cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan contribute to the melty, creamy sauce, but you can substitute with your favorite, just make sure one is a melty cheese like mozzarella.
Half-and-half – to thicken the sauce and add a rich taste. If you want to reduce the fat, you can use who 2% milk, it won’t be quite as creamy but still delicious. I wouldn’t try skim though as you need a little fat for the sauce.
Garlic – provides a nutty, mild flavor. Just mince it with a garlic press.
Butter – for browning the garlic.
Pasta – Most any shape of pasta will be great in this dish. You could try spaghetti or fettuccine, bow tie, fusilli or penne. Orzo, rigatoni or even egg noodles would work as well. Experiment with a new shape each time you make the casserole to change things up.
Dry ranch dressing – a 1-ounce packet adds the flavor of herbs and onion. Packaged ranch dressing is made up of onion powder, onion flakes, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried chives which is what adds so much flavor to this dish.
Red pepper flakes – these are optional but lend a nice amount of spicy heat

How to Make a Shredded Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Cook the garlic in a skillet and gradually whisk in the half-and-half and cook until slightly thickened. Add some parmesan.

Step 2: Cook the pasta and place in a baking dish.

Pasta in a baking dish. — Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish.

Step 3: Combine the chopped cooked chicken and ranch seasoning in a medium bowl

Cooked chicken with ranch dressing on top. — Pour ranch dressing over cooked chicken.

Spoon it over the pasta, then cover with the garlic cream sauce. Sprinkle cheese over the top.

Pasta covered with chicken and garlic sauce. — Pour the sauce over the seasoned chicken.

Cheese covered pasta dish. — Cover it with cheese and bake.

Step 4: Bake for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

You can make this easy chicken ranch casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Prepare the casserole, but prior to baking, cover and store in the fridge for a day or two. Remove the pan from the fridge about 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow it to warm to room temperature.

Pro tip: Did you know you can freeze half-and-half? Pour the leftovers into a plastic container with an airtight lid. Leave at least an inch of space to allow for expansion. To freeze smaller servings, use an ice cube tray. To defrost, thaw in the fridge until liquified. At this point, the half-and-half may have a curdled appearance. This is normal and even though it may not look pretty, it’s perfectly fine to consume.