Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake! It’s the perfect combination of creamy and spicy, all wrapped around tender pasta and juicy chicken. I remember the first time I made this dish for a game night with friends, and it was an absolute hit! Everyone was raving about the flavors, and I couldn’t help but feel proud. The ranch dressing adds a coolness that balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a dish that’s comforting yet exciting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this flavorful Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz penne pasta: This is the base of your dish, providing a hearty texture.
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
1 cup buffalo sauce: Add your favorite brand for that spicy kick!
1 cup ranch dressing: This creamy goodness balances out the heat beautifully.
1 cup shredded cheese: I like a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for the best melt.
1/2 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, they add a nice crunch.
1/2 cup celery, chopped: For extra crunch and a refreshing bite.
1 tsp garlic powder: A sprinkle of this enhances all the flavors.

How to Prepare Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Making this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how easily it comes together! Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your pasta bake to come out bubbly and golden.
While the oven is heating up, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and toss it in a large bowl. Now, it’s time for all the deliciousness! Add the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese to the pasta. Don’t forget the green onions, celery, and garlic powder!
Give everything a good mix until it’s well combined. You want every piece of pasta coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that melty finish!
Now, pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes; then serve it up! You’re going to love how comforting and flavorful this dish is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich, creamy flavors combined with a spicy kick that makes your taste buds dance.
Comfort food at its finest, ideal for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.
Uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Tips for Success

To make your Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference—more sauce for a fiery kick, or less for a milder dish. I also recommend using rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for an irresistibly gooey finish! Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to the next level!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up the flavors in your Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake! For a protein twist, try swapping out the shredded chicken for ground turkey or even some spicy sausage—yum! You can also throw in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Want a creamy twist? Consider adding a dollop of cream cheese into the mix for extra creaminess. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, just omit the chicken and load up on extra veggies! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop it in for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover them to prevent drying out. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this scrumptious Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake: about 450 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But hey, it’s comfort food—enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

How spicy is the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake?
The spice level really depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder dish, just reduce the amount of sauce or use a milder brand.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini or macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. It’s a complete meal that everyone will love!

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta, this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake can easily be made gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions!

Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake: 7 Creamy Comforts You’ll Crave

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and spicy pasta bake with ranch and buffalo flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheese, green onions, celery, and garlic powder.
Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
Top with extra cheese before baking for a cheesier dish.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

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