Description
A creamy and spicy Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake combining tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich buffalo ranch sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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 and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make buffalo ranch sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, spicy pasta bake!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute chicken with cooked turkey or tofu to vary the protein.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven, so watch carefully when crisping the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken pasta bake, ranch pasta bake, creamy buffalo chicken casserole, easy baked pasta dish, spicy pasta bake
