Description
Creamy chicken ranch mac and cheese delivers comfort on a plate, blending zesty ranch seasoning with tender chicken and melted cheese. Hearty pasta awaits you, promising a satisfying meal that brings classic flavors together in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
Dairy and Cheese:
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F. Coat a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook macaroni until tender, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta ready for the next phase.
- Create a creamy base by blending shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the chicken-cheese mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Transfer the mac and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to promote consistent heating and texture.
- Distribute the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a melty layer. Sprinkle chopped bacon evenly for a crispy, savory crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbles with appetizing intensity.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Swap out regular macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the creamy texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce fat content while maintaining a rich, tangy flavor profile.
- Incorporate roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to boost nutritional value and add extra depth to the dish.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations such as smoked gouda or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations that keep the recipe exciting and fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg