Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly)

Hearty pasta bake with tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden.

# 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 Cook:

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 and well combined.
04 - Fold in cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, all of the cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and green onions into the sauce mixture.
05 - Add the drained pasta and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce and filling ingredients.
06 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 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 Advice:

01 -
  • Irresistible Flavor: The perfect marriage of tangy buffalo heat and creamy ranch richness.
  • Easy Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, it is a great option for busy weeknights.
  • Crowd Pleaser: A warm, cheesy dish that yields 6 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
02 -
  • Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly while in the oven.
  • Even Coating: Ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly tossed in the sauce before baking for the best texture in every bite.
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