Description
This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort dish blending creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, melty cheeses, and tender pasta baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or meal prep! Keywords: ranch buffalo pasta bake, buffalo chicken casserole, cheesy pasta bake.
Ingredients
12 oz elbow or penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, and half of both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until creamy.
4. Fold in the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, coating everything evenly.
5. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread out smoothly.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
7. Optionally, top with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
For less spice, reduce the buffalo sauce and add extra ranch.
Make ahead by assembling the night before and baking fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg