If youโre searching for a crowd-pleasing, comfort-filled casserole, look no further than Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with that classic ranch flavor, this dish marries tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a tangle of vibrant veggies in a cozy, golden-topped bake. Whether youโre feeding a weeknight family dinner or wowing guests at a potluck, Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake delivers big on taste and warmth with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Itโs amazing how just a handful of every day ingredients come together for something so special! Each one is essentialโbringing creaminess, tang, crunch, or color to every irresistible bite.
- Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender protein that soaks up flavor beautifully.
- Spaghetti: The heart of the casserole, holding everything together and absorbing all those delicious sauces.
- Ranch dressing (bottled or homemade): Delivers signature herby ranch taste that makes this dish shine.
- Cream of chicken soup: Lends creaminess and binds ingredients for a lush, cohesive bake.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheddar covers the top and fills the pasta with pockets of gooey richness.
- Red bell pepper: A pop of color and sweet, juicy crunch throughout the casserole.
- Frozen peas: Adds brightness and a classic touch, balancing out rich flavors.
- Minced garlic: Brings an aromatic background note to the whole bake.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Perfect for garnish, adding fresh flavor and making the final bake look extra appetizing.
How to Make Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Start by simmering your chicken breasts in a pot of salted water until cooked throughโusually 15 to 20 minutes. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. This step is key for tender, juicy chicken that will soak up all that creamy ranch flavor later.
Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti
While the chicken cooks, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti just until al dente. You want the pasta to retain a bit of bite, since itโll cook further while baking. Drain well to keep the casserole from getting watery.
Step 3: Mix the Ranch Cream Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, and minced garlic. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture brings together all things ranch and acts as the flavor-packed glue binding the bake.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, red bell pepper, peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to your bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated and the veggies are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Slide the dish into a preheated 350ยฐF oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown around the edges. The Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake should be piping hot and irresistibly cheesy.
How to Serve Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley across the top right before serving adds a fresh, bright touch that really pops against the melted cheese. For extra ranch flair, try an extra drizzle of ranch dressing or a scatter of sliced green onions.
Side Dishes
This creamy bake loves simple sidekicks! Pair it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread to complete the meal. A medley of roasted veggies also works wonderfully, adding color and keeping things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If youโre feeling playful, portion the Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake into individual ramekins for a personalized serving. For potlucks, bake as usual then cut into tidy squares for easy transport and serving. If youโre hosting, scatter some extra baked ranch-coated chicken on top as a showstopping garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake will keep fresh for up to four daysโmaking it ideal for meal prepping or easy lunches.
Freezing
If youโd like to freeze, assemble the bake but donโt bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When youโre ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350ยฐF oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). For single servings, a quick burst in the microwave works perfectlyโjust add a splash of milk to keep things nice and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake, and brings even more flavor. Just shred and use as directed in the recipe.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, spinach, or diced zucchini blend in beautifully and add extra nutrition without overwhelming the classic ranch flavors.
Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different twist that still results in a luscious, creamy bake.
Can this be made gluten free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and be sure your ranch dressing and soup are gluten free as wellโno one will ever know the difference.
Whatโs the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers reheat best in a covered baking dish in the oven to retain moisture, but the microwave is great for on-the-go lunch situations. Either way, a little splash of milk makes everything creamy again!
Final Thoughts
If youโre craving comfort and versatility in one easy dish, you canโt go wrong with Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake. I hope youโll give it a try soonโyour tastebuds and your loved ones will thank you!
PrintRanch Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Bake is the ultimate comfort foodโcreamy, cheesy noodles tossed with ranch-seasoned tender chicken and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Effortless to prepare, this family-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners, delivering classic ranch flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
For the Spaghetti
- 8 ounces (about 225g) spaghetti noodles
For the Sauce
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, then set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning mix, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti, shredded chicken, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top evenly.
- Add Crunchy Topping (optional): In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or panko with the melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for an extra golden-crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25โ30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese (and topping, if used) is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked leftover chicken for convenience.
- Swap spaghetti for any other pasta shape you love, like penne or rotini.
- Add cooked vegetables (like broccoli or peas) to bulk up the casserole.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a handful of diced jalapeรฑos before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1030mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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