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Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe

Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 27 reviews

This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy casserole featuring tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a flavorful buffalo-ranch sauce blend. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Sauce

  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite since it will cook further in the oven. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well to blend all flavors.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over this mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispy cheese on top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a comforting and flavorful main dish that pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
  • For milder heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Adding chopped celery or carrots can give extra crunch and nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta bake, ranch pasta casserole, baked buffalo chicken, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food recipe

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/ranch-buffalo-pasta-bake-recipe/