Hearty pasta casserole with buffalo ranch sauce, chicken, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
→ Chicken
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
→ Sauce & Dairy
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
04 - 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
05 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Aromatics
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
→ Extras
11 - Salt and pepper to taste
12 - Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth.
04 - Fold in the cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, all of the cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and green onions.
05 - Add the drained pasta and gently toss until evenly coated with the cream mixture.
06 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions before serving.
