BBQ Cheddar Ranch Chicken Alfredo Bake – a bold, creamy, cheesy comfort dish packed with smoky flavor, irresistible richness, and easy prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken Alfredo bake is far from ordinary. The combination of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing adds a tangy kick and smoky depth to the rich creaminess of traditional Alfredo sauce. With melty cheddar cheese throughout and tender shredded chicken, it’s a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that checks every comfort food box. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy preferred)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup BBQ cheddar cheese (or more sharp cheddar with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce mixed in)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
- Add shredded chicken and stir to warm through.
- Gradually mix in both cheeses, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 540 kcal
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce
- Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers
- Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile
- Low-carb option: Use spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash instead of pasta
- Baked version: Transfer the final dish to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for a golden finish
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
You can bake, boil, or sauté the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred with two forks.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce for maximum flavor contrast with the creamy Alfredo.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat before serving.
Is ranch dressing necessary?
Ranch adds tanginess, but you can replace it with sour cream or omit it for a more traditional Alfredo.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
What pasta shapes work best?
Fettuccine is great, but penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well for holding onto the sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use light cream or milk, reduce cheese, and opt for whole wheat or legume-based pasta.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking sauces for gluten content.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute with mozzarella, gouda, or your favorite melting cheese.
Conclusion
This BBQ Cheddar Ranch Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup. With bold flavors, creamy texture, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, it brings the hearty, cheesy satisfaction you crave.
More Cheesy, Creamy, and BBQ-Inspired Dinners
Craving more bold and creamy dishes like the BBQ Cheddar Ranch Chicken Alfredo Bake? Here are some must-try favorites:
- Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Beef Sausage Pasta – A smoky and meaty twist for fans of cheddar ranch flavor combos.
- Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni Bliss – Sweet, spicy, and creamy — comfort in a bowl.
- One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pastalaya – One skillet, tons of bold Cajun flavor.
- Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Fiesta – Perfect for those who love a fiery, ranch-infused punch.
- BBQ Chicken French Bread Delight – Everything you love about BBQ chicken, piled on cheesy French bread.
BBQ Cheddar Ranch Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and comforting pasta dish combining shredded chicken, creamy ranch Alfredo sauce, smoky BBQ flavor, and melty cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy preferred)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup BBQ cheddar cheese (or more sharp cheddar with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce mixed in)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until heated through.
- Mix in the shredded sharp cheddar and BBQ cheddar cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cheesy BBQ ranch Alfredo sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount based on desired smokiness.
- Can be baked with extra cheese on top for a crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg