Save The Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch. This perfectly balanced dish combines cooked pasta with melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection in a 9x13-inch dish for a satisfying American-style main dish.
Save This Easy-level recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, yielding six hearty servings. By using simple aromatics like minced garlic and green onions alongside heavy cream and sour cream, you create a rich sauce that perfectly coats every piece of penne or rotini pasta.
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
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, you can substitute the chicken breast with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you prefer more heat in your dish, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or top the casserole with sliced jalapeños before baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile. For a classic buffalo twist, try adding blue cheese crumbles as a garnish or mixed into the cheese topping.
Serviervorschläge
This pasta bake is best served alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. The fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy buffalo sauce and melty cheeses.
Save Whether you're serving a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is a reliable favorite. Its bubbly cheese topping and bold, tangy flavors make it a comforting meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the creamy sauce well. Other short shapes like macaroni, cavatappi, or gemelli would also work beautifully.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup for milder flavor, or increase to 3/4 cup for more heat. Adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper will dial up the spice even further.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. The texture may be slightly creamier due to moisture from freezing.
- → What should I serve with this pasta?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Garlic bread, roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, or a simple side of steamed green beans are excellent accompaniments.
- → Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
You'll need to cook the chicken first. Dice raw chicken breast and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, before adding to the mixture. Alternatively, use a rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.