Pin A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—all baked to golden perfection. This Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week, combining bold flavors with a satisfying texture.
Pin The combination of zesty ranch and spicy buffalo sauce creates a rich, creamy texture that complements the pasta perfectly. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the classic flavors of buffalo wings to a satisfying bake that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 (1 oz/28 g) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (25 g) finely sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Step 2
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth.
- Step 4
- Fold in the cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, all of the cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and green onions.
- Step 5
- Add the drained pasta and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Step 6
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Step 8
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For maximum convenience, substitute rotisserie chicken. Additionally, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before baking to prevent it from becoming too soft in the oven.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or top with sliced jalapeños. You can also swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or add blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo wing twist.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty pasta bake alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and balanced meal.
Pin This easy American-style casserole is sure to become a new favorite for game nights or busy weekday dinners. Enjoy the perfect blend of spice and creaminess in every bite!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, rotini, cavatappi, or macaroni work well. The sauce clings nicely to shapes with ridges or curves.
- → Is this dish very spicy?
The buffalo sauce provides moderate heat. Adjust spice levels by using less buffalo sauce or adding cayenne for extra kick.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
- → What's the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience. Alternatively, poach or bake chicken breasts specifically for this dish.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat covered at 350°F.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify that your ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce are certified gluten-free.