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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Cook pasta in salted water until slightly undercooked, ensuring it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- Combine cooked pasta with shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl, folding in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Pour the prepared buffalo ranch sauce over the pasta mixture, gently stirring to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the pasta blend to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and maintaining a consistent layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden brown.
- For an extra crispy top, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
- 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