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Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://gabriellangdon.com/ranch-buffalo-pasta-bake-recipe/