The Zesty Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe Everyone Loves

Ranch buffalo pasta delivers a zesty kick that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with spicy buffalo sauce in this mouthwatering dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Comfort food meets bold flavors in a casserole that screams pure deliciousness.

Cheese, pasta, and that signature tangy buffalo sauce create a magical combination you’ll absolutely love.

Protein-packed and simple to prepare, this meal comes together faster than you can say “delicious dinner.” Ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an epic culinary adventure?

What’s to Love About Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

• Swap chicken with other proteins like shredded beef or tofu for a personalized twist that keeps the meal exciting and adaptable.
• Combine simple ingredients and minimal prep steps to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Blend spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese into a satisfying pasta bake that delivers ultimate comfort and flavor in every single bite.
• Offers a mild heat level that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent option for diverse taste preferences during family meals.

Ingredients That Bring Bold Flavor to This Bake

• Pasta: Classic base for a hearty baked dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed main component of the recipe.
• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and tangy flavor enhancer.

• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and flavorful cheese topping.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herbal sauce component.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of savory flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh finishing touch for added color and flavor.

How to Assemble and Bake Ranch Buffalo Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pasta Prep

Boil water with a generous sprinkle of salt.

Cook pasta until it’s just shy of perfect – slightly firmer than fully cooked.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes a luxurious, unified sauce.

Step 4: Mix the Magic

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded chicken
• Half of the cheddar cheese
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the ingredients and toss until everything is perfectly coated.

Step 5: Baking Brilliance

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Spread evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 6: Oven Transformation

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Dish out this creamy, spicy pasta while it’s hot.

Watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips for Getting the Perfect Pasta Texture

• Cook pasta just short of al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly textured dish.
• Warm cream cheese slowly and stir continuously to create a silky, lump-free buffalo ranch sauce.
• Mix half the cheese into the pasta mixture and reserve the rest for topping to get a delicious cheesy layer on top.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick and flavorful protein boost.
• Add a quick broil at the end to create a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds extra texture and visual appeal.

How to Store and Warm Up Leftover Buffalo Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains sealed and protected from air exposure.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed and cheese melts completely.

What Dishes Pair Nicely with This Spicy Pasta

• Pair Zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Crisp White Wine: A light, slightly acidic sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create Cool Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce: Blend creamy blue cheese, sour cream, and a splash of buffalo sauce for a tangy accompaniment that enhances the pasta's heat and complements its creamy texture.
• Serve Crunchy Celery Slaw: Toss thinly sliced celery with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing, crisp contrast to the hearty, spicy pasta dish.
• Refresh with Citrus-Infused Iced Tea: Brew a light, cold green tea and add fresh lemon and orange slices to create a bright, cooling beverage that balances the buffalo sauce's warmth.

Flavor Variations for Ranch Buffalo Pasta

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace shredded chicken with crispy roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternative for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify ranch dressing is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce buffalo sauce for mild version or add extra hot sauce for intense heat lovers who crave more kick in their pasta bake.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers bold buffalo ranch flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta cooks to the same texture before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat, or mix hot and mild sauce to control spiciness. You can always adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste preference.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the entire dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake for an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• What if I don't have ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch with sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with some dried herbs like dill, chives, and garlic powder to create a similar tangy flavor profile.

Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy ranch buffalo pasta bake delivers spicy comfort with zesty southwestern flair. Cheesy layers meld chicken, pasta, and tangy buffalo sauce into a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta

Cheese and Sauces:

• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until slightly undercooked, ensuring it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a creamy buffalo sauce by melting cream cheese in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in ranch dressing and buffalo sauce until perfectly smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine cooked pasta with shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl, folding in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
5. Pour the prepared buffalo ranch sauce over the pasta mixture, gently stirring to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer the pasta blend to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and maintaining a consistent layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden brown.
9. For an extra crispy top, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
12. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy pasta bake.

Notes

• Swap chicken for shredded tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the zesty buffalo ranch flavor.
• Reduce buffalo sauce quantity for a milder taste, perfect for those who prefer less heat in their dishes.
• Use gluten-free pasta and verify sauce ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal, storing cooked chicken and chopped herbs separately in the refrigerator to streamline cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg