Save This Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is a spicy, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, and melty cheese. It is a perfect comfort food option for fans of bold flavors and hearty meals.
Save With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 50 minutes, this easy American-style cuisine is a convenient choice for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups (about 280 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning packet
- 1 cup (240 ml) buffalo wing sauce (mild or hot, to taste)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) crumbled blue cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, combine ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 4
- Stir in cooked pasta and chicken until well coated.
- Step 5
- Fold in 1 cup mozzarella and 3/4 cup cheddar cheese.
- Step 6
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the top.
- Step 7
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Step 8
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and blue cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Blue cheese lovers can also add more to the topping to enhance the tangy profile of the dish.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy pasta bake with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the buffalo sauce and cheese.
Save Enjoy this delicious and cheesy buffalo ranch bake while hot, and garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the sauce well. Macaroni or fusilli would also work nicely.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat, or add diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper to kick it up. You control the intensity.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments.
- → Is rotisserie chicken suitable?
Absolutely—using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Simply shred about 2 cups worth.