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Chicken Ranch Casserole

July 8, 2014 by Matt Robinson 67 Comments

Summer. My favorite time of year. The weather is perfect (as usual here), fruit is abundant, the beach is 15 minutes away, and the boys are out of school and enjoying every day to the fullest. We try not to sign them up for too many things over the summer. To us, summer is about taking it easy, going with the flow, finding adventure in every day. And with that, our summer dishes are usually quite simple and easy too, just like this Chicken Ranch Casserole.

Chicken Ranch Casserole via Real Food by Dad

Are you looking for an easy, family-pleasing dish that takes less than 30 minutes to make? Well, look no further, you’ve found it in this casserole. Only seven ingredients are needed and it’s so easy that the kids can help prepare this – chicken, taco seasoning, ranch dressing, chicken broth, heavy cream, spinach and rotini pasta. Of course, any pasta works, our boys just happen to prefer rotini for some reason.

Chicken Ranch Casserole from Real Food by Dad

Can you tell I enjoy making casseroles? I’m sure that is a result of me growing up in a family of 9 kids, where my mom had little time and lots of mouths to feed. And not only that, there just something comforting about casseroles, no matter what the ingredients or what time of year they’re made. Not to mention, they always make the best leftovers too!

Chicken Ranch Casserole by Real Food by Dad

The flavoring in this casserole is perfectly subtle, which is exactly how I hoped it would be, especially with the picky eaters here. You almost need to know there is ranch dressing in there to taste it, so it’s not overwhelming at all. Same with the taco seasoning. And the two combined in this dish – simply delicious. My boys couldn’t get enough of it. So next time the kids come home from a long, fun summer day and they’re telling you how hungry they are, make this casserole and you instantly be their hero. At least until you tell them it’s time for bed.

Chicken Ranch Casserole

Chicken Ranch Casserole via Real Food by Dad

By Matt Robinson Published: July 8, 2014

  • Yield: 4-5 Servings

Summer. My favorite time of year. The weather is perfect (as usual here), fruit is abundant, the beach is 15 minutes away, and the …

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup Ranch dressing
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 lb cooked pasta
  • 6 oz. bag of spinach
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Coat a large frying pan with a little olive oil. Place cubed chicken in pan over medium heat and sprinkle taco seasoning on top. Allow to cook without stirring for 5-7minutes. Add in ranch dressing and stir and cook chicken to doneness. Pour in chicken broth and let boil. Add in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in spinach and pasta. Salt and pepper to taste
  2. **Notes** Spinach will wilt and soften as it settles into the hot casserole.
  • Skill Level: Easy

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Filed Under: casserole, Chicken, Comfort, Dinner, Easy, Family, Lunch, Pasta, Quick, Savory Tagged With: casserole, chicken bake, chicken casserole, ranch chciken, ranch chicken bake, ranch chicken casserole

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Comments

  1. Bri | Bites of Bri says

    July 9, 2014 at 3:24 am

    I love casseroles too! It is tough to get me to turn on the oven when it’s almost 100 here, but a casserole like this is incentive for sure!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:18 am

      I am so with you on that Bri, but this one is worth it:) Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Savory Simple says

    July 9, 2014 at 3:31 am

    This looks so hearty and comforting. My husband would go nuts for this!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:18 am

      Yes he would Jennifer! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says

    July 9, 2014 at 4:19 am

    I love a good casserole, and this one looks amazing! Love the chicken ranch combo!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:18 am

      Thanks so much Chelsea!

      Reply
  4. Alice Choi says

    July 9, 2014 at 4:32 am

    Wow! Only you could make a casserole look great! I think casseroles are the hardest things to shoot!! l love this. . so you don’t bake it at all or are some of the instructions left off?

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:19 am

      Thanks Alice, nope, it’s a no-bake casserole. I should have mentioned that:)

      Reply
      • Alice Choi says

        July 9, 2014 at 1:29 pm

        even better!! thanks!

        Reply
  5. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    July 9, 2014 at 5:47 am

    This is sooooo my type of dinner dish! I’m a carboholic. This is getting made ASAP!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Thanks Megan! I am too unfortunately:)

      Reply
  6. HalfBakedHarvest says

    July 9, 2014 at 5:55 am

    I love casseroles too. They feed my big family and everybody love the cheesy top! This looks awesome!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Thanks Tieghan!!

      Reply
  7. Becca Heflin says

    July 9, 2014 at 6:13 am

    There’s nothing better in the summer than getting in and out of the kitchen quickly,. This sounds like a delicious way to do it, Matt!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Thanks Becca!

      Reply
  8. Liz Stark says

    July 9, 2014 at 6:28 am

    Love your approach to summer – it’s the best time of year to enjoy! Great casserole recipe.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Isn’t it Liz? Thanks so much!

      Reply
  9. Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says

    July 9, 2014 at 7:21 am

    Casseroles are a favorite around here…love easy one pot dinners!! This looks amazing. And I am with you on summers 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:21 am

      Thanks Zainab!

      Reply
  10. grandbabycakes says

    July 9, 2014 at 7:22 am

    You never cease to amaze me! This looks unbelievable!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:21 am

      Thanks Jocelyn!

      Reply
  11. Mike @TheIronYou says

    July 9, 2014 at 8:01 am

    Beach is 15 minutes away? You lucky man, I’m jealous…
    Btw, great casserole recipe!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 9:17 am

      15 minutes Mike, OC/CA. We are so spoiled though, I could literally drive up or down the coast sometimes and not even look out at the ocean. That’s not right! Haha thanks man!

      Reply
  12. theviewfromGreatIsland says

    July 9, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Maybe it’s the air conditioning, but I’m a fool for comfort food in the middle of summer, and I really like the ranch seasoning in this one — I’m hungry!!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      I am too, thanks so much!

      Reply
  13. Meredith Steele says

    July 9, 2014 at 11:41 am

    Comfort food at it’s best! Love it!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks Meredith!

      Reply
  14. La Cuisine d'Helene says

    July 9, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    I am more of an autumn person but would be at the beach, anytime of year, if it was 15 minutes away. When we lived in BC it was only 5 minutes away. I miss that a lot and looking at the white mountains in the background. I like this casserole already, even if I did not make it yet.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks Helene! Hope you are having a great week:)

      Reply
  15. kellyjanke2 says

    July 9, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Simple and to the point, Matt! Awesome! I’m from the midwest, aka casserole and hot dish capital. I grew up eating them all the time! Casseroles usually take hours to make, so the fact that this one only takes 30 minutes is prime! Pinned 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      Same to you Kelly, thanks so much!

      Reply
  16. Luci's Morsels says

    July 9, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    I absolutely agree about the comfort of casseroles (and the tastiness as well as the ease) and the excitement of rotini pasta (or any fun-shaped pasta). I’m still a kid at heart after all!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 1:59 pm

      Same here, Luci! Thanks so much:)

      Reply
  17. Allie|Baking a Moment says

    July 9, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    Love this! It sounds so delicious and effortless. So happy you’re enjoying your summer, too 😀

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks so much Allie!

      Reply
  18. Danae | Recipe Runner says

    July 9, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    Can I start by saying that I am jealous the beach is only 15 minutes away! I’m with your boys, for some reason rotini is my favorite pasta too. I love the flavors of the casserole, definitely keeping this one on file!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks Danae! I know, we are spoiled that way huh? Laguna Beach is right down the road from here but we still don’t go enough!

      Reply
  19. Paula says

    July 9, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    9 kids! Now I understand why you’re so helpful with the kids and cooking! I would have not thought to put taco seasoning and ranch seasoning together, but I totally get it! And with the cream to mellow out the flavors, this sounds like a really flavorful dish, Matt. Oh, and I agree with your boys, the noodle shape can make or break the dish!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      9! And we all still live pretty close to each other. Holidays are the best!

      Reply
  20. Karen @ The Food Charlatan says

    July 9, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    7 ingredients?? sold. (plus, ranch? you’re killing me.)

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      EZ! Thanks Karen!

      Reply
  21. Julie @ This Gal Cooks says

    July 9, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    Hellooooo way over there on the opposite coast! Our summers here in Southeast Florida are similar…except that we have unbearable humidity and I hear that SoCal has beautiful, dry/drier air!

    Totally digging this 7 ingredient recipe, Matt! It contains some of my favorite things. Pinned!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 11:48 pm

      Thanks Julie! Yes for sure, it is very rarely humid here at all, and you know how nice it is being close to the beach! We are spoiled for sure:)

      Reply
  22. Chris @ Shared Appetite says

    July 9, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    This is a great looking pasta recipe Matt! Totally perfect for weeknight dinner. And really beautiful photos. Pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 11:49 pm

      You rock, Chris, thanks!

      Reply
  23. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

    July 9, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    30 minutes or less? Yes, please! I am always looking for easy weeknight meals and this one is perfect. Summer is my favorite time of the year too and I’m incredibly jealous that you live only15 minutes from the beach!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 11:49 pm

      Thanks Ashley! This one is almost too easy:) But so good!

      Reply
  24. Caroline Zhang @PasstheCocoa says

    July 9, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    This looks amazing, Matt! I love the 30-minute guarantee seal on the photos (:

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 11:50 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping by Caroline!

      Reply
  25. Tutti Dolci says

    July 9, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    This is so perfect for busy weeknights. 30 minutes or less is my kind of meal!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 9, 2014 at 11:50 pm

      Mine too, always Laura. Thanks!

      Reply
  26. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says

    July 10, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Matt, this looks delicious. Definitely something that everyone in my house would love. I love any dish that I can add a lot of spinach.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 10, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks so much Cindy!

      Reply
  27. gonnawantsecond says

    July 10, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    This sounds super delish! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 10, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks Kathleen!!

      Reply
  28. Alyssa says

    July 14, 2014 at 8:11 am

    I’m honestly not a casserole fan, but this looks way less casserole-y and way more yummy one bowl pasta kinda vibe! I’m pinning to try for dinner this week!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 14, 2014 at 8:50 am

      Thanks so much Alyssa! Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  29. Russ says

    July 14, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    Just made it, yuuuuum!!!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 14, 2014 at 11:15 pm

      Made my night Russ, thanks so much!!!

      Reply
      • MKS says

        July 15, 2014 at 7:05 am

        Help! what is the 3rd step?

        Reply
        • realfoodbydad says

          July 15, 2014 at 8:25 am

          Fixed:)

          Reply
  30. Chloé Henderson says

    July 14, 2014 at 11:34 pm

    the 3rd step of the recipe is missing for me… 🙁

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 15, 2014 at 8:24 am

      Hi Chloe, that 3rd step should not have been there, I fixed it. You’re ready to go!

      Reply
  31. MKS says

    July 15, 2014 at 7:03 am

    The 3rd step is missing for me too! Do I bake the casserole after its done cooking on the stove?

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      July 15, 2014 at 8:24 am

      That was there by mistake. Nope! You’re all set at that point!

      Reply
  32. Chelsey says

    July 23, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Ok.. so where is the recipe? Seeing a lot of pictures and description, but no recipe.

    Reply
  33. Theresa says

    August 31, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    Where is the recipe?

    Reply

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Welcome to Real Food by Dad, where I create and share easy-to-make, everyday meals, snacks and desserts for my family, along with my adventures of being a husband, dad and coach. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your time here and become a regular visitor!

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