Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake

$To make a tasty Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake, you will need: - 3 cups rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These main ingredients work together to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish. The rotini pasta holds the sauce well, while the chicken adds protein. Cream cheese makes it rich and smooth. You can customize your Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake with some optional add-ins. Consider these: - Cooked bacon for extra flavor - Spinach for a healthy boost - Bell peppers for crunch and color - Mushrooms for an earthy taste Adding these can change the flavor profile. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. For added flavor, consider these toppings before serving: - Extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese - Crushed crackers for a crunchy texture - Fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color - Additional ranch dressing for those who love it These toppings can elevate your dish and make it more appealing. Personalize it to your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, cook 3 cups of rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions to get it just right. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm yet cooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, take 1 cup of cooked chicken and shred it into small pieces. This adds great flavor and texture to our dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and 1 cup of ranch dressing. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For creaminess, mix in 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it blends well. This cheesy ranch base is the heart of our bake. Now it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooked rotini pasta into the cheesy ranch mixture. If you want, toss in 1/2 cup of frozen peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Gently fold the pasta into the mixture to coat every piece. Next, transfer everything into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish. If you like extra cheese, sprinkle more mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy ranch rotini bake! To get that creamy texture, you need to mix well. Start with softened cream cheese. It blends easier into the ranch dressing. This step helps avoid lumps. Also, use warm chicken, as it adds to the creaminess. When you bake, the cheese melts beautifully. Keep an eye on it in the oven. You want a bubbly top without overcooking. For this dish, I love using mozzarella and cheddar. They melt perfectly and give a great flavor. Mozzarella makes it stretchy, while cheddar adds sharpness. You can also try pepper jack for a little heat. If you want something different, gouda or fontina are tasty too. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. A pinch of salt and pepper brings all the flavors together. You can add some fresh herbs too. Chopped parsley on top looks good and tastes fresh. If you like more zing, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. These little touches can take your dish to the next level! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta retains its texture after baking and doesn't become mushy. Mix in Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition. Use Leftover Chicken: This dish is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake. Simply swap out the chicken for a mix of beans or lentils. You can use one cup of black beans or chickpeas. This adds protein and keeps it filling. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to make it hearty. If you want to switch up the protein, there are many choices. You can use shredded turkey instead of chicken. You might also try diced ham, cooked sausage, or even ground beef. Each protein brings its own flavor to the dish. Just make sure it's cooked before mixing it in. Customizing with different veggies is easy and fun. You can add broccoli, spinach, or zucchini to the mix. Just chop them small so they cook well. If you like some crunch, add in some bell peppers or carrots. Frozen or fresh veggies work well. They add color and nutrients to your bake without much effort. After enjoying your Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This will help keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge, where it can last for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rotini bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to help keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it's warm all the way through. You can also microwave it for a quicker option. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake this dish. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. Keep an eye on it. When the top is golden, it is ready to serve. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes if you like. Penne, fusilli, or even shells work well. Just cook them until they are al dente. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. You can use other dressings or sauces if you want. Try blue cheese, Italian dressing, or a homemade herb mix. Each will add a unique taste to your dish. You can prepare the dish a day before serving. Just mix the ingredients and put them in the baking dish. Cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Adjust the baking time as needed. In this blog post, we covered how to make a cheesy ranch rotini bake. We discussed the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and tasty toppings. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, mixing, and baking. Tips for getting a creamy texture and the best cheese options were also shared. We explored variations like vegetarian and different protein choices, plus how to store leftovers and reheat them. Enjoy creating this dish your way. It’s a quick, yummy meal that everyone will love!$

A creamy and cheesy pasta bake with ranch flavor, chicken, and optional peas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

3 cups rotini pasta
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Add the cooked rotini pasta and frozen peas (if using) into the cheese and chicken mixture. Fold gently until the pasta is fully coated and all ingredients are combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Top with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Add more cheese on top for extra gooeyness.

Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, pasta, ranch