Description
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy casserole that brings bold flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. It combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and a cool ranch twist, all baked to bubbly perfection under a golden layer of melted cheese. This dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
¾ cup buffalo wing sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1 Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2 Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3 In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4 Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
5 Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
6 Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown on top.
7 Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat level. You can add cooked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, or diced celery before baking for added texture and flavor. This dish stores well and makes excellent leftovers.