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Cheesy Rotel Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Cheesy Rotel Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake - featured image
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This Cheesy Rotel Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a creamy, hearty, and flavor-packed casserole featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch cheese sauce with a spicy kick from Rotel tomatoes. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne, rotini, or shells pasta (about 3/4 of a standard 16 oz box)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie or leftover grilled/baked)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cool.
  4. In the same skillet, add cream cheese and milk over medium-low heat. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Add ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk to combine until sauce is silky.
  7. In a large mixing bowl (or oven-safe skillet), combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, shredded chicken, Rotel tomatoes (with juice), and half of the crumbled bacon. Stir gently to mix.
  8. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining bacon and extra shredded cheese if desired.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce. Use gluten-free pasta and ranch mix for a GF version. For more heat, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeño. Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Let the bake rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, cheesy casserole, rotel chicken, bacon ranch pasta, easy family dinner, comfort food, pasta casserole, meal prep, weeknight dinner, spicy pasta bake

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cheesy-rotel-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-bake-easy-family-dinner-recipe/