Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed comfort dish that brings together creamy, tangy, and spicy elements all in one, this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is going to steal your heart—and your appetite. Combining tender pasta, shredded chicken, a luscious blend of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish delivers a satisfying punch of bold flavors with every bite. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even potlucks where you want to impress without stress. Each layer of this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake works in harmony to offer you that irresistible creamy, cheesy, and zesty experience that I promise will become a dinner favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique touch—whether it’s the tender pasta creating the perfect base, the spicy buffalo sauce bringing heat, or the combination of cheeses melding it all together with gooey goodness. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting your flavorful journey.
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta: These shapes hold sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: A lean protein that soaks up all the sauce and adds hearty substance.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show, providing that signature spicy kick that defines the dish.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy, it balances the heat with cooling flavors.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess that ties the sauce components together perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings depth and color to the bake.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mild and stretchy, it’s essential for that irresistible cheese pull.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To bring all the flavors together and heighten them.
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: A fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your pasta bake won’t stick and will come out looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water just shy of al dente—this means the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, soaking up all the sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Ranch Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add your garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will be the luscious, tangy, spicy bedrock of your bake.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the warm buffalo ranch sauce over everything and mix until every component is evenly coated with that rich sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top to create that bubbly, golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese melts fully and the dish bubbles with deliciousness. For an extra touch of golden crispiness, switch to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake rest for 5 minutes. This little pause lets everything settle and makes serving easier. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a burst of color and subtle freshness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up warm, cheesy, and full-flavored Ranger Buffalo Pasta Bake immediately. It’s truly irresistible the moment it comes out of the oven, making every forkful a comforting celebration of flavors.
How to Serve Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Garnishing your dish with chopped parsley or green onions not only adds a lovely pop of color but also cuts through the richness with a fresh contrast. For an extra zing, a drizzle of ranch or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top can elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
Keep the meal balanced by pairing this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even some crunchy celery sticks will complement the creamy, spicy pasta beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For cozy family dinners, serve it straight from the baking dish and encourage everyone to dig in family-style. For entertaining, portion it into individual ramekins and broil the cheese top until bubbly and brown just before serving, making every plate feel like a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This bake freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it yet; cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave in shorter bursts and stir in between to preserve the creamy texture and even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work best due to their sauce-catching shape, other short pastas like rotini or fusilli also do well. Just make sure to cook it just shy of al dente so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
Is this dish very spicy?
The level of spice depends largely on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or adjust the amount used. The ranch dressing also helps mellow out the heat, making it enjoyable for a wide range of spice tolerances.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the shredded chicken for cooked veggies like cauliflower florets or chickpeas for protein. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute to keep that hearty texture while maintaining the flavor balance.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are the perfect duo for this recipe—cheddar for its sharp flavor and melting quality, mozzarella for its stretchiness and mildness. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy twist or provolone for a smoky note.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake later?
You sure can! Assemble everything and keep it covered in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy days when you want dinner ready to go but no fuss at mealtime.
Final Thoughts
This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake has quickly become one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy comfort food with a fun, spicy kick. It’s straightforward, wildly satisfying, and shares beautifully thanks to its bold flavors and gooey, melty texture. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a cherished staple in your kitchen too—trust me, once you do, it’s going to be requested again and again!
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Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and spicy Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake combining tender shredded chicken, penne pasta, and a tangy buffalo ranch sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne or rigatoni pasta until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over this mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to set. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake warm and enjoy its rich, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
- If cream cheese is too firm, microwave briefly to soften for easier mixing.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free if needed.
- 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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, ranch buffalo bake, creamy buffalo pasta, chicken pasta bake, spicy pasta casserole
