Description
This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole that combines cooked shredded chicken, rotini pasta, and a flavorful ranch buffalo sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese and finished with fresh green onions, this 35-minute comfort food is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Sauce Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, then add the garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and uniform in texture.
- Combine Chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the sauce and simmer together for 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and thoroughly combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente is best to avoid mushy bake.
- Buffalo sauce can be adjusted to taste for more or less spice.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- For a crispier topping, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes after baking.
