Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake (Printable Version)

Hearty baked pasta with tender chicken in tangy buffalo-ranch sauce and melted cheeses.

# What You'll 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 green onions, finely sliced, plus extra for garnish

→ Extras

11 - Salt and pepper to taste
12 - Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing

# Steps:

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.
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 drained pasta to the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
06 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 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 -
  • Hearty and Filling: A complete meal packed with protein and pasta.
  • Bold Flavor: Features the perfect balance of tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch.
  • Easy to Make: Simple preparation steps make this a go-to for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spiciness to suit your family's preference.
02 -
  • Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta slightly under the package directions since it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melt and texture, shred your mozzarella and cheddar from blocks.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on meal prep.
Return