Save The Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for those who love bold, zesty flavors. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce and the cooling creaminess of ranch seasoning, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with a blanket of melty cheese.
Save Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a fantastic way to elevate a simple chicken pasta. It's a reliable American classic that brings the excitement of a wing night to a satisfying baked casserole.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- Chicken: 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Sauce & Dairy: 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
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (25 g) finely sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
- Extras: 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, you can substitute the cooked chicken breast with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Additionally, make sure to let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to allow the creamy sauce to set properly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a spicier meal, add a pinch of cayenne or garnish with sliced jalapeños. For a different cheesy profile, try swapping the cheddar for Monterey Jack or adding blue cheese crumbles for that classic buffalo wing experience.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and flavorful pasta bake pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread, which helps balance the creamy and tangy elements of the dish.
Save Bring this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake to the table and enjoy a meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious. With its golden crust and tender interior, it's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred about 2 cups from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and use it in place of cooked chicken breast. The pre-seasoned meat adds extra depth to the final dish.
- → How spicy is this pasta bake?
The spice level is moderate and family-friendly. The buffalo sauce provides a tangy warmth without overwhelming heat. If you prefer more kick, add cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños as suggested in the notes. You can also adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to taste.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. Alternatively, bake it completely and reheat individual portions.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the creamy sauce well. Other short pasta shapes like macaroni, cavatappi, or fusilli would also work nicely. Avoid long strands like spaghetti as they don't capture the chunky sauce and chicken pieces as effectively.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly.
- → What can I serve alongside this?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce is always welcome. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus also make excellent lighter sides to complement the hearty pasta bake.