Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for those who love a little kick in their dinner. Combining the tangy zest of buffalo sauce with the cooling, herby notes of ranch seasoning, this casserole features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. It is a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

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A favorite for game days and busy weeknights alike, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. The contrast between the golden, bubbly mozzarella topping and the creamy, zesty interior makes every bite irresistible. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the classic taste of buffalo wings in a hearty pasta format.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 (1 oz/28 g) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buffalo wing sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (25 g) finely sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter, for greasing

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth.

Step 4

Fold in the cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, all of the cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and green onions.

Step 5

Add the drained pasta and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 6

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 7

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 8

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra convenience, substitute rotisserie chicken. Ensure the pasta is cooked only to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly while baking in the creamy sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or top with sliced jalapeños. You can also swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, or add blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo twist.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty buffalo ranch bake with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a balanced and satisfying meal.

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Whether you are feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal for a gathering, this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to be a repeat request. Its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors makes every serving a celebration of classic American comfort food.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

→ What pasta works best?

Penne and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the thick sauce well. Macaroni or cavatappi also work nicely.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ How can I reduce the spice level?

Use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount to 1/4 cup. Adding extra sour cream or a dollop of plain yogurt also helps temper the heat.

→ What sides pair well with this?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli also complement nicely.