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When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, few dishes can rival the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta bake. The BBQ Chicken & Ranch Pasta Bake stands out as a perfect blend of flavors that appeals to the whole family. This dish combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. It's a recipe that not only brings comfort but also excitement to the dinner table.

BBQ Chicken & Ranch Pasta Bake

Looking for a dinner that the whole family will love? Try this BBQ Chicken & Ranch Pasta Bake! Bursting with flavor, this dish combines tender rotini pasta, smoky BBQ chicken, and creamy ranch dressing for a comforting meal ready in no time. It's perfect for busy evenings, thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken. Plus, the gooey cheese on top creates a delightful golden crust. Make it your own by adding toppings like bacon or fresh green onions for an extra touch!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)

1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)

1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

1 cup ranch dressing

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits (for added flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir well until all the chicken is thoroughly coated with the sauce.

        Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the BBQ chicken mixture. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

          Enhance with Cheese: Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture, which will create a creamy and cheesy texture.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

              Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. If desired, scatter the crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor.

                Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbling.

                  Garnish After Baking: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful touch.

                    Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out generous portions onto plates and dive into your delicious BBQ Chicken & Ranch Pasta Bake!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 6 servings

                        Optional Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.