Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake

When you crave the fiery zest of buffalo wings but need the comforting warmth of a home-cooked casserole, this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate solution. It is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich and tangy sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, all baked until golden and bubbling.

Pin it

This recipe is designed to be versatile and satisfying. The penne pasta serves as the perfect vessel to hold the velvety sauce, while the garlic and green onions provide an aromatic base that elevates the entire casserole. It's a dish that smells as good as it tastes as it comes out of the oven.

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

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

Check price on Amazon

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 extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or top with sliced jalapeños. Substituting rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time while adding excellent flavor to the bake.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or add blue cheese crumbles to the topping for a classic buffalo wing twist.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty pasta bake with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to round out the meal perfectly.

Pin it

Whether it's for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to become a repeat favorite in your household. Enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the sauce well. Macaroni or cavatappi also work nicely.

→ Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.

→ How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup or use a mild variety. You can also increase the ranch seasoning and cream to balance the heat.

→ What can I serve alongside this?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli also complement well.

→ Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, cook diced raw chicken breast in a skillet until cooked through before adding to the sauce mixture. This adds about 8-10 minutes to prep time.