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- 12 oz rotini pasta - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup cooked chicken (optional) - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder Let's break down the key parts of this dish. First, the rotini pasta forms the base. Its spiral shape holds the creamy sauce well. You’ll need 12 ounces for a hearty meal. Next, cheese is the star. Use 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds rich flavor. The cream cheese, at 1 cup, adds creaminess and depth. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. Ranch dressing is the secret ingredient. One cup brings a tangy taste. If you choose to add chicken, one cup of shredded cooked chicken adds protein and makes it more filling. For a pop of color and nutrition, toss in one cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Peas, carrots, and corn work great here. For seasoning, use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to top your bake. It adds a nice crust when it bakes. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to blend the flavors. Don’t forget salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the taste. These simple ingredients create a flavorful family dinner everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a well-cooked dish. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and let it cool for a few minutes. - In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of ranch dressing. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend everything until it is smooth and creamy. - Now, add the drained rotini pasta to the bowl with the ranch sauce. If you want, you can also add 1 cup of shredded chicken and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. - Stir gently until all the pasta is coated with the sauce. - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The dish is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add some chopped fresh parsley on top for color and serve! - Ensure pasta is cooled slightly before mixing. This helps the cheese blend well. - Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. It makes a smoother sauce. - Pair with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds freshness and crunch to your meal. - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It adds color and a burst of flavor. - Try adding spices like paprika or Italian seasoning. These spices boost the taste of the dish. - Incorporate cooked bacon for added richness. Bacon gives a nice, savory kick to your meal. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your rotini pasta just until al dente for the best texture in your bake. This prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites! Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can add great flavor and nutrients. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate, then bake it right before serving. This is perfect for meal prep or gatherings! Experiment with Cheese: Try using different types of cheese for a unique twist, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of spice. The possibilities are endless! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. Just swap the chicken for more vegetables. Use your favorites, like bell peppers or broccoli. You can also add spinach for extra color and nutrition. For cheese, try plant-based cheese alternatives. They melt well and keep the dish creamy. If you need a gluten-free meal, substitute the rotini with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste similar to regular pasta. Just cook it until al dente to avoid mushiness. This way, everyone can enjoy the Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake without worry. Cheese is key in this dish. While cheddar is great, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a stringy texture or goat cheese for a tangy bite. Mixing different cheeses can give your bake a unique flavor. Don't be afraid to get creative with your cheese choices! After enjoying your Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. For the best flavor and texture, reheat your leftovers in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15 minutes. This way, the cheese gets nice and melty again. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming. You can freeze Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake for later. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven for the best results. If you need it fast, you can bake it directly from frozen, but it will take longer to cook. Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep your dish fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can make Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake ahead of time. Prepare the dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy for a busy weeknight dinner. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold. If you don't have ranch dressing, you can use a few different options. Try using blue cheese dressing for a tangy taste. You can also make a simple mix of yogurt and herbs. Another option is to use Italian dressing for a zesty twist. Each choice adds its own unique flavor to the dish. This Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake combines pasta, cheese, chicken, and veggies for a great meal. You can easily add your favorite spices or swap ingredients to fit your taste. Following the steps ensures a cheesy, delicious result. Remember, leftovers are easy to store and reheat, making your meals last longer. Enjoy trying new variations. You’ll find plenty of joy in cooking this simple yet tasty dish.

Cheesy Ranch Rotini Bake

A creamy and cheesy pasta bake with ranch dressing, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
  • Add the drained rotini pasta to the ranch mixture, along with shredded chicken (if using), frozen mixed vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until thoroughly coated.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish or spoon portions into individual bowls.
Keyword bake, cheesy, comfort food, pasta, ranch