Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake:
Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 ounces) rotini pasta
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 packets (1 ounce each) ranch seasoning mix
- Chicken, as desired (e.g., 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning packets until well combined.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the broccoli into florets, discarding the stems.
- Layering:
- In a slow cooker, layer the ingredients as follows:
- Start with a thin layer of the cream of chicken and ranch seasoning mixture.
- Add half of the cooked rotini pasta.
- Place half of the seasoned chicken on top of the pasta.
- Add half of the broccoli florets.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a slow cooker, layer the ingredients as follows:
- Pour Water:
- Pour the cup of water over the layers evenly.
- Cooking:
- Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Mixing:
- About halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the ingredients to ensure even cooking.
- Check Doneness:
- Test the chicken for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Cheese Topping:
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Close the lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, and the broccoli is tender, give the mixture a final gentle stir.
- Serve the creamy ranch chicken pasta bake in individual plates, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
This delicious and easy-to-make dish should be enough to feed a family of 4 to 6. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful creamy ranch chicken pasta bake!
