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BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 102 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A comforting and flavorful BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole combining tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and a zesty blend of ranch and BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick and hearty family meal baked to perfection with a cheesy golden top.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie, leftovers, or cooked & shredded)
  • ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (use real bacon pieces, no imitation bits)

Vegetables & Mix-ins

  • 15 ounces canned corn, drained
  • 10 ounces Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
  • 7 ounces diced green chiles, undrained
  • 1 tbsp minced onions

Cheese & Sauces

  • 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (a cheddar blend works great)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare your casserole ingredients.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, drained corn, undrained Rotel, diced green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions into the bowl with the pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the flavors are evenly mixed.
  4. Prepare for baking: Transfer the mixed casserole to a baking dish. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your hearty BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole!

Notes

  • Use real cooked bacon pieces, not imitation bits, for authentic flavor.
  • You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade ranch mix for a fresher taste.
  • Feel free to add extra cheese on top for a cheesier crust.
  • Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
  • Bowtie pasta can be substituted with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/bbq-ranch-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/