Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta

Featured in: Flavor Rush

This hearty pasta bake combines penne with shredded chicken in a rich, tangy sauce featuring buffalo wing sauce and ranch seasoning. The creamy base gets its velvety texture from sour cream, cream cheese, and milk, while generous layers of mozzarella and cheddar create a golden, bubbly topping. After just 25 minutes in the oven, you'll have a satisfying dish that balances spicy heat with comforting creaminess.

Updated on Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:21:21 GMT
Golden Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake bubbling in a ceramic dish with a golden, cheesy top and specks of green onion garnish. Save
Golden Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake bubbling in a ceramic dish with a golden, cheesy top and specks of green onion garnish. | fryflick.com

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.

Golden Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake bubbling in a ceramic dish with a golden, cheesy top and specks of green onion garnish. Save
Golden Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake bubbling in a ceramic dish with a golden, cheesy top and specks of green onion garnish. | fryflick.com

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)
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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.

A freshly baked Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake served in a white dish, with a bubbling, melty cheese and Buffalo sauce top. Save
A freshly baked Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake served in a white dish, with a bubbling, melty cheese and Buffalo sauce top. | fryflick.com

Enjoy this delicious and cheesy buffalo ranch bake while hot, and garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

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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.

Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta

Spicy, cheesy pasta bake with tender chicken in a creamy buffalo ranch sauce. bubbling comfort food for six.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary guidelines None specified

Components

Pasta

01 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Sauces & Seasoning

01 1 oz ranch seasoning packet
02 1 cup buffalo wing sauce, mild or hot
03 1/2 cup sour cream
04 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
05 1/4 cup whole milk

Cheese

01 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

01 2 green onions, sliced
02 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Phase 02

Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve.

Phase 03

Create Sauce Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, and milk. Whisk vigorously until smooth and fully incorporated.

Phase 04

Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Phase 05

Incorporate Cheese: Fold in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup cheddar cheese until distributed throughout the mixture.

Phase 06

Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.

Phase 07

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly throughout.

Phase 08

Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Large pot for pasta cooking
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Cheese grater for fresh shredding

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains wheat and gluten
  • May contain eggs depending on pasta ingredients
  • Buffalo sauce and ranch packets may contain additional allergens; verify product labels

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 540
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 32 g