If you like to dip your pizza in ranch dressing, wait until you see what this creamy condiment can do for pasta. Ranch pasta is about to become your new go-to for dinner. It\u2019s the perfect blend of creamy and cheesy goodness with a tangy twist from ranch dressing. All this is topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs. It’s simple ingredients and big flavor comes together quickly and delivers all the cozy vibes of the best comfort food.<\/p>\n
Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.<\/p>\n
In a large bowl, mix the Italian cheese blend, one cup of Parmesan cheese, sour cream and ranch salad dressing until thoroughly combined. Add the drained pasta to the cheese mixture and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in the thawed or fresh spinach. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.<\/p>\n
Tear the day-old French bread into pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse the bread until crumbs form. In a small bowl, toss the bread crumbs with olive oil, lemon zest, dried parsley, garlic salt and the remaining 1\/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until the crumbs are evenly coated.<\/p>\n
Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional five to ten minutes until the topping is golden brown and the pasta is bubbly. Serve warm.<\/p>\n
Let the ranch pasta cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for three to four days. When ready to reheat, bake it in a covered dish at 350\u00b0 for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can freeze ranch pasta! Assemble the dish but hold off on baking it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through, when ready to serve.<\/p>\n
Ranch pasta is great for making ahead! Prepare and assemble the dish up to one day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve it, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can use different types of pasta if you don’t have bow tie pasta. Shapes like penne, rotini or rigatoni work well because they hold onto the creamy sauce and mix well with the other ingredients. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn\u2019t become mushy when baked.<\/p>\n
To make a lighter version of ranch pasta use reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cheese and a lighter ranch dressing. You can also bulk up the dish by adding more vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or zucchini to cut down on the amount of pasta per serving.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can easily make ranch pasta gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free pasta and replace the French bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the ranch dressing are also labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden sources of gluten.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I came up with this ranch pasta after making recipes for a bridal shower. It was party day and I needed to take some shortcuts! Everyone loves the simple Parmesan ranch white sauce, and it’s easy to throw in veggies you have on hand. \u2014Merry Graham, Newhall, California<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8065,"featured_media":1447464,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303972,303971,304430,304515,303966,304988,304408,304368,303887,304268,304455,304558,324623,304388,304313,304395,304398,303883,305031],"categories-v2":[308503,308500,308481,308830,308880,308495,308935,308813,308745,308478,259483,308860,308910,309177,308752,308313,308782,308797,308476,308975],"coauthors":[343536],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"How to Host a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue","post_link":"\/article\/how-to-host-backyard-barbecue\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Backyard-Barbecue_GettyImages-2103931463_MLedit.jpg"},{"post_title":"Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/turkey-and-pasta-ranch-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Turkey-and-Pasta-Ranch-Salad_EXPS_SDAS17_187440_B04_04_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Southwestern Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/southwestern-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Southwestern-Spiral-Pasta_EXPS_TOHJJ20_168769_E01_31_2b-3-e1724906843826.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Dressing","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-dressing\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Ranch-Dressing_EXPS_TOHVP24_252634_MR_05_16_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Pasta-Salad_EXPS_TOHVP24_276085_MF_03_13_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranchero Supper","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranchero-supper\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps19655_GB153642D01_08_1b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cowboy 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Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-ranch-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bacon-Ranch-Pasta-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_277610_JonathanMelendez_04.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Ranch-Pasta-Salad_exps23249_SD19999443C04_19_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Mac & Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-mac-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps593_DOAD1630301D45B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chili Beef Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/chili-beef-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Chili-Beef-Pasta_exps158841_SD132779A06_11_4bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Broccoli Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-broccoli-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham and Cheese Ranch Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-and-cheese-ranch-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps21209_LT10350D53.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Dip","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-dip\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Ranch-Dip-_EXPS_FT24_275877_ST_0328_4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Spinach Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-spinach-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps22103_QC10365D15A.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Creamy-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_TOHCA20_184722_B01_14_5b.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ranch-pasta\/","name":"Ranch Pasta","datePublished":"2020-03-27","dateModified":"2024-09-09","prepTime":"PT25M","cookTime":"PT30M","totalTime":"PT55M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Creamy-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_TOHCA20_184722_B01_14_5b.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Side Dishes"],"description":"Creamy ranch, melty cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping come together in this easy, comforting pasta dish.","recipeIngredient":["2-1\/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta","2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Italian cheese blend","1-1\/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided","1 cup sour cream","1 cup ranch salad dressing","1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry or 2 cups chopped fresh spinach","2 slices day-old French bread (1\/2 inch thick)","1 tablespoon olive oil","1 teaspoon grated lemon zest","1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes","1\/4 teaspoon garlic salt"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the pasta","text":"Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the cheese sauce","text":"In a large bowl, mix the Italian cheese blend, one cup of Parmesan cheese, sour cream and ranch salad dressing until thoroughly combined. Add the drained pasta to the cheese mixture and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in the thawed or fresh spinach. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the breadcrumb topping","text":"Tear the day-old French bread into pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse the bread until crumbs form. In a small bowl, toss the bread crumbs with olive oil, lemon zest, dried parsley, garlic salt and the remaining 1\/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until the crumbs are evenly coated."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Bake the pasta","text":"Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional five to ten minutes until the topping is golden brown and the pasta is bubbly. Serve warm."}],"recipeYield":"8 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joy Manning"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 436 calories","fatContent":"30g fat (12g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"40mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"841mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"25g carbohydrate (3g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"15g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":5,"reviewCount":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-05-24","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"gaylene2"},"reviewBody":"My family gobbled this down. There\u2019s just something about that Ranch taste that everybody loves. Two and a half cups of pasta didn\u2019t seem like near enough for eight servings but after everything was added it was plenty. That said, I probably will one-and-a-half the recipe when I make it again so everyone has all they want!\n We didn\u2019t have any French bread so we left off the topping. But that sounds like it will be even better for next time!\n I added some cubed ham to make it a proper main dish. Yummy!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-02-25","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Colly"},"reviewBody":"Very Good!! Like suefalk, I added some fresh chopped tomato.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-12-03","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Eye"},"reviewBody":"
I made this pretty much as written, adding 1 cup of chopped ham, 1\/2 cup each of sauteed chopped onion and red peppers, and a half cup of 2% milk because I was afraid the leftovers would be dry. Was very tasty, and I will make it again. I measured everything as per the recipe, and it did seem to be a bit dry. If you think you'll have leftovers, you might want to add some milk, as the pasta will soak up the moisture overnight. Note that not all ranch dressings taste the same. Mine was a bit vinigary, and I will try a different one the next time I make it. <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-03-30","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"suefalk"},"reviewBody":"Wow! Easy, quick and delicous!! It's hard to go wrong with a pasta dish, but this is fantastic. Very 'alfredo' like between the sour cream and parmesan. I did add some chopped fresh tomato.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"184722","romance_copy_dek":"Creamy ranch, melty cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping come together in this easy, comforting pasta dish.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Ranch Pasta","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2-1\/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta","IngredientText":"2-1\/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Italian cheese blend","IngredientText":"2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Italian cheese blend"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided","IngredientText":"1-1\/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup sour cream","IngredientText":"1 cup sour cream"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup ranch salad dressing","IngredientText":"1 cup ranch salad dressing"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry or 2 cups chopped fresh spinach","IngredientText":"1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry or 2 cups chopped fresh spinach"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 slices day-old French bread (1\/2 inch thick)","IngredientText":"2 slices day-old French bread (1\/2 inch thick)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon olive oil","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon olive oil"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon grated lemon zest","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon grated lemon zest"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon garlic salt","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon garlic salt"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Creamy-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_TOHCA20_184722_B01_14_5b.jpg","RecipeId":184722,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Ranch Pasta Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Creamy-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_TOHCA20_184722_B01_14_5b.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Merry","Lastname":"Graham","City":"Newhall","StateDescription":"California","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":8,"MaximumServingQuantity":8,"Yield":"8 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Ranch Pasta","SubmittedTitle":"Creamy Ranch Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon-Parsley Breadcrumbs","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":5,"WebPublishedDate":"3\/27\/2020 6:45:26 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHCA20_184722_B01_14_5b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":25,"CookTimeInMinutes":30,"TotalTimeInMinutes":55,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Creamy Ranch Pasta","OriginalSourceProject":"Creamy Ranch Pasta","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":"
Test Kitchen tips<\/B>\r\n
Test Kitchen tips<\/B>