Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner when you want a cheesy, hearty meal with a little kick.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the mixture and stir to combine everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy the flavorful comfort of this hearty pasta bake.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or swap shredded chicken for cooked turkey or tofu for a twist.
• Add diced celery or bell peppers to the mix for extra crunch and color.
• Substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce if you prefer a milder, smoky flavor.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce but can be kept chilled and eaten within a few days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

What type of cheese works best in this bake?

Cheddar and mozzarella provide a nice balance of sharpness and meltiness. Feel free to use a blend or add Parmesan for extra flavor.

Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy casserole perfect for a comforting dinner. It combines penne pasta, shredded chicken, and a tangy buffalo ranch sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, this dish is an irresistible crowd-pleaser with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Sauce

• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just before al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
4. Combine pasta and chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the prepared buffalo ranch sauce over and stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top for a melty, golden crust.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Rest and garnish: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
8. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of this hearty ranch buffalo pasta bake.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
• If you want less spice, reduce the buffalo sauce or add extra ranch dressing.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• For extra cheesy goodness, feel free to add more shredded cheese on top before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo pasta bake, ranch buffalo chicken, cheesy pasta casserole, baked pasta, spicy pasta bake, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner