Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy, spicy buffalo ranch sauce. Baked with gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese together. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 7: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh touch.
- Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake!
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut to save time.
- Add diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the spice level to your preference.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
- Mix in some cooked bacon bits for added smoky flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave portions until hot. Adding a splash of milk can help maintain creaminess when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work well because they hold the sauce and chicken nicely without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
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Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake combines tender pasta, succulent shredded chicken, and a creamy buffalo ranch sauce, all baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together spicy buffalo heat with cool ranch creaminess, topped with gooey melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Buffalo Ranch Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top to form a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, broil the dish for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add hot sauce to taste.
- To make ahead, assemble the bake and refrigerate, then add extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta bake, ranch buffalo pasta, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, easy dinner, weeknight meal
