This cheesy ranch dressing chicken baked shells pasta recipe is super easy to make and tastes delicious! It has ranch dressing in the pasta sauce that gives it some of it’s delicious flavor!
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That sauce is mixed in with tender shredded chicken, pasta shells, parmesan and cheddar cheese and optional peas. The topping is crushed Ritz crackers and parmesan cheese, this gives the baked pasta a great buttery finish and crunch. All of this combined creates a creamy, cheesy and decadent pasta bake that the whole family will enjoy.
Some people call this crack chicken because it’s addictively good. I feel like, a hug in a bowl is more accurate. This dish is comforting and honestly feels like a hug to me.
What chicken to use?
Any cooked shredded chicken will work for this recipe. I love to use canned chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken, boiled or finely diced or saluted ground chicken will also work.
What brand of ranch is best?
My answer to this question is, whatever brand of Ranch you personally enjoy! I am a self proclaimed ranch dressing snob, and my favorite is wild cayote ranch. I realize that is more of a local product in the western united states and other parts of the country will enjoy other brands. Some people love hidden valley ranch with all their hearts, so my answer is, use whatever ranch you love.
Can you use other pasta shapes in this recipe?
Absolutely! This pasta recipe will work great with any other bite sized pasta shapes. macaroni, ziti, penne, extra large stuffed shells, etc.
How long does this take to make?
This meal can be whipped up in about 35-45 minutes, prep to finish. Most of that time is baking time so if you need to get things done during dinner prep. This is a great recipe for that! It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
I have 4 kids and some nights… ok, let’s be honest, most week nights, dinner is about whatever is quick, easy, my kids will enjoy and I don’t have to fuss too much over the prep. Because I have soccer, football, basketball, dance, school activities, parties, rock climbing and about a million other things to get, so dinner needs to be short and sweet or in this case savory. This is the perfect recipe for that!
To add peas or not to add peas?
As mentioned, I have 4 kids and I do try to sneak in a little extra nutrition where I can. Peas are a great way to do that because most of my kids love them and those who don’t are perfectly fine eating them in this baked pasta recipe. They are listed as optional on the recipe, so if your family doesn’t love peas, then by all means, leave them out, The flavors of the pasta will not be changed.
What you need to make this cheesy ranch dressing chicken baked shells pasta recipe: (printable recipe card is below)
Serves 6
- 16 ounces dry pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast – (canned, rotisserie or boiled all work well)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/3 cup bacon pieces (optional)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 cups milk
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing – any brand will work, hidden valley, wild cayote is my favorite
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Topping
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers – smashed
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a large pot, add salted water and pasta shells and boil until they are al dente, according to pasta’s package directions, then drain and return to pot.
- Turn stove over medium heat and add shredded chicken breast, frozen peas (if adding), bacon pieces (if adding), onion powder, milk, ranch dressing, salt, parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese and stir together.
- In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water and add to the pasta mixture and stir well.
- Turn stove off and transfer mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Crumble Ritz crackers over the pasta mixture, sprinkle top with parmesan cheese and optional green onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, serve and enjoy!
Here are a few other recipes you may also enjoy:
Cheesy Ranch Dressing Chicken Baked Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast – canned, rotisserie or boiled all work well
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
- 1/3 cup bacon pieces optional
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 cups milk
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing – any brand will work hidden valley, wild cayote is my favorite
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Topping
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers – smashed
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a large pot, add salted water and pasta shells and boil until they are al dente, according to pasta’s package directions, then drain and return to pot.
- Turn stove over medium heat and add shredded chicken breast, frozen peas (if adding), bacon pieces (if adding), onion powder, milk, ranch dressing, salt, parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese and stir together.
- In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water and add to the pasta mixture and stir well.
- Turn stove off and transfer mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Crumble Ritz crackers over the pasta mixture and sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, serve and enjoy!