Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake (Print version)

Hearty pasta bake with buffalo-ranch glazed chicken, melted mozzarella and cheddar, ready in under an hour.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Sauce & Dairy

03 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
04 - 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
05 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Aromatics

09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish

→ Extras

11 - Salt and pepper to taste
12 - Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth.
04 - Fold in cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, all of the cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and green onions.
05 - Add drained pasta and gently toss until evenly coated with sauce mixture.
06 - Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions before serving.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The tang of buffalo sauce is mellowed by creamy ranch and rich dairy.
  • Easy Prep: Using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s a great weeknight dinner.
  • Cheesy Goodness: A combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates a dual-layered melt that is irresistible.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period; five minutes allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
  • Cook your pasta just to al dente so it stays firm and doesn't become mushy after its time in the oven.
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