Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)

Hearty pasta bake with tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese. Golden and bubbly in 45 minutes.

# 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 oz packet 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 finely sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish

→ Extras

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

# How to Make It:

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.
05 - Add drained pasta and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
06 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25-30 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 Tips:

01 -
  • Family-Friendly: A dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy texture and bold flavor.
  • Quick Prep: Takes only 15 minutes of preparation time before heading into the oven.
  • One-Pan Magic: Once the pasta is boiled, everything comes together in a single baking dish for easy cleanup.
02 -
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often have anti-caking agents.
  • Adjust the Tang: If you find the buffalo sauce too sharp, add an extra tablespoon of sour cream to mellow out the acidity.
  • Don't Overcook: Watch the oven closely during the last 5 minutes to ensure the mozzarella is golden but not burnt.
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