Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and just screams comfort food, then you’ve got to try my ranch buffalo pasta bake! This hearty meal combines the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing, all wrapped around tender pasta and juicy chicken. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven! I remember the first time I whipped this up for a game night—it disappeared faster than I could say “touchdown!” It’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home, and it’s super simple to make. Seriously, once you taste this ranch buffalo pasta bake, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive into the delicious details, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta (your favorite type, I love penne for this recipe!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice level, I like it hot!)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (creamy and delicious—don’t skimp here!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I recommend a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced (adds a nice crunch and freshness)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for a pop of flavor and color)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm when it’s time to bake!
- While that’s heating up, grab a pot and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for a good al dente—nothing worse than mushy pasta!
- Once your pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Give it all a good stir until everything is coated evenly. The smell is going to be amazing!
- Now, transfer that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every bite gets that incredible flavor.
- Time to top it off! Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the pasta mixture. I mean, who doesn’t love a cheesy topping, right?
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be bubbly and golden—just like you want it!
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, so gather your friends or family and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with bold flavors from the buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing.
- Great for feeding a crowd or for meal prep—leftovers are fantastic!
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins, like veggies or extra protein.
- Comforting and hearty, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure you nail this ranch buffalo pasta bake! First off, feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance. If you’re serving it to kids or someone who doesn’t handle heat well, you can always start with less and add more to your own portion later!
Another pro tip? Mix in some cooked bacon or even sautéed bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s such a fun way to personalize the dish! And when you’re layering the cheese on top, don’t hold back—more cheese always equals more happiness!
Also, make sure you let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This will help everything set up nicely and make serving a breeze. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you dive into that cheesy, flavorful goodness!
Variations
One of the best things about this ranch buffalo pasta bake is its versatility—so let your creativity shine! If you’re in the mood for something different, you can switch out the shredded chicken for ground turkey or even beef for a heartier version. For those who love a bit of crunch, try adding diced bell peppers or even some sweet corn for a pop of color and flavor.
Feeling adventurous? Mix in some crumbled blue cheese for a classic buffalo wing twist! You could also experiment with different types of pasta; spiral or bowtie pasta would add a fun shape to the dish. And if you want to take it to the next level, try spicing things up with some jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce mixed in. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this dish so fun to customize!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each serving of this scrumptious ranch buffalo pasta bake is estimated to pack in about 450 calories. You’ll also get around 20g of fat, with 10g of that being saturated fat. On the protein front, it’s a solid 30g per serving, thanks to the chicken and cheese. Carbohydrates come in at about 40g, along with 2g of fiber, making it a filling option. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and portion sizes. Just remember, with all that flavor, you’re in for a treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love using penne for its perfect bite, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni work wonderfully—just adjust the cooking time as needed!
How spicy is this ranch buffalo pasta bake?
The spice level really depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you prefer a milder flavor, go easy on the buffalo sauce and add more ranch dressing to balance it out. You can always add more spice later!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta mixture a day in advance, just store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the cheese and bake! It’s a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes! Just opt for gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. This ranch buffalo pasta bake can easily fit into gluten-free diets.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta bake is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a fresh garden salad or some crunchy veggie sticks on the side. It adds a nice balance to the rich flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftovers from your delicious ranch buffalo pasta bake? Lucky you! To store them, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly—nobody likes a dry pasta bake!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your container and pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is nice and melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be careful—it can get hot quick! Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your ranch buffalo pasta bake experience, I like to serve it with a fresh garden salad—something crisp and light to balance the richness of the dish. Just toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with a simple vinaigrette, and you’re good to go! You might also consider some crunchy veggie sticks, like carrots and celery, with a side of ranch dip for that extra zing. And if you’re feeling indulgent, some warm garlic bread on the side is pure heaven! It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of pasta, check out this resource.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of buffalo sauce, visit Buffalo Wild Wings for a fun read!
Print
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful ranch buffalo pasta bake that combines pasta, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, celery, and green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or additional veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ranch buffalo pasta bake
