Pin it This Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for fans of bold, spicy flavors. Featuring tender chicken, zesty ranch seasoning, and tangy buffalo sauce, it is baked to perfection with a thick, bubbly layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Pin it What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Whether you are serving a hungry family or preparing a dish for a game day gathering, this pasta bake delivers a satisfying punch of heat and creaminess that is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- Chicken: 2 cups (about 280 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Sauces & Seasoning: 1 (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning packet, 1 cup (240 ml) buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Garnish (optional): 2 green onions (sliced), 1/4 cup (25 g) crumbled blue cheese
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 the smoothest sauce, ensure your cream cheese is completely softened before whisking. Be sure to cook the pasta only to al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking in the oven.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also substitute rotisserie chicken for extra convenience or add more blue cheese to the topping for a sharper flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the dish with fresh green onions and blue cheese crumbles just before serving. This rich pasta bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy and spicy elements.
Pin it This Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and filling meal that brings a spicy twist to traditional comfort food. Enjoy it hot and bubbly for the best experience!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- → Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the creamy sauce well. Macaroni or cavatappi also work great.
- → How can I reduce the spice level?
Use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount to 1/2 cup. Adding extra sour cream or cream cheese also helps mellow the heat.
- → Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, dice raw chicken breast and cook it in a skillet until done before mixing with the other ingredients. Alternatively, bake the raw chicken in the sauce for 10 minutes before adding pasta.
- → What sides pair well with this?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments.
