If you’re the kind of cook who believes comfort food should come with a kick, this Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is about to become your go-to recipe. Creamy, tangy, and cheesy, it blends the bold heat of jalapeños with the cool richness of ranch dressing—then bakes it into a bubbly, satisfying one-dish meal.
It’s everything you love about pasta night… with a twist of spice and a whole lot of flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and hearty:
- Easy to prep, especially with pantry staples and cooked chicken
- Combines ranch + jalapeño + cheese in one ultra-flavorful sauce
- A great way to use up leftover pasta or chicken
- It’s bake-ahead friendly, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, shells, etc.)
- 1 cup jalapeño ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (fresh or jarred)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins & Swaps
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a melty kick
- Add black beans or corn for extra Tex-Mex flair
- Use Greek yogurt ranch for a lighter version
- Want more heat? Toss in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne
Instructions
- Preheat oven
Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. - Cook pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Add veggies
Stir in the jalapeños, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté until veggies are soft, about 4–5 minutes. - Make it creamy
Reduce heat and stir in the jalapeño ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and well combined. - Mix with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until pasta is coated and creamy. - Assemble and bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese if desired. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is bubbly and golden. - Garnish and serve
Let cool slightly, then top with chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips for Success
- Cook pasta just to al dente—it will soften more in the oven.
- If your dressing is very thick, thin with a splash of milk or broth.
- Pre-chop veggies and chicken to make this a 30-minute meal.
- Want a crunchy topping? Add crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this spicy, creamy pasta with:
- Dorito Casserole for a next-level dinner duo
- Chicken Enchiladas if you’re feeding a bigger crowd
- Blueberry Lemonade to cool the heat
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for dessert—because creamy + spicy deserves a sweet finish
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce
- Freeze: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed
More Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the flavor party going with these delicious favorites:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is everything you want in a dinner—easy, creamy, and full of spicy personality. It’s a casserole with a kick, made to satisfy your craving for comfort with a bold twist.
Make it tonight, and if you do, tag @chefmaniac—I’d love to see how spicy your version turns out!
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