Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake

Get ready to dive into a dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and creamy ranch with the comforting texture of pasta and melted cheese. This Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, mingling with cheesy pasta and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust—that’s pure comfort food magic in every bite.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Bold, balanced flavors: The spicy kick from buffalo sauce is perfectly mellowed by creamy ranch dressing.
• Cheesy goodness: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates incredible melting and gooey texture.
• Easy to customize: Use penne or rigatoni—the pasta choice is yours to suit your preference.
• One-dish wonder: It’s a simple bake that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
• Perfect for leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Ingredient Rundown

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): These sturdy shapes hold sauce beautifully and create a satisfying bite.
• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded: Tender, juicy chicken is the heart of this dish. Use rotisserie chicken or poach your own for convenience.
• 1 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy tang. Adjust to your heat tolerance.
• 1 cup ranch dressing: Creamy, herby ranch softens the heat and adds richness.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar packs a flavorful punch and melts beautifully.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella gives a silky stretch and mild creaminess.
• 1/2 cup diced green onions: Fresh green onions add a subtle crunch and mild bite.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For that irresistible golden, crispy topping.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps toast the breadcrumbs to perfection with a hint of richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

Setup & Equipment

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta; make sure it’s big enough so the pasta cooks evenly.
• Colander: To drain the pasta without losing any precious noodles.
• Mixing bowl: To combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for layering and baking the pasta bake.
• Skillet or pan: To lightly toast breadcrumbs with olive oil for a crunchy topping.
• Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot dishes.

From Start to Finish: Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne or rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken breast with 1 cup buffalo sauce and 1 cup ranch dressing. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce blend.

Step 3: Mix Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the cheesy buffalo chicken pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup diced green onions evenly over the top.

Step 5: Toast the Breadcrumbs

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the pasta bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired, and dig in!

No-Store Runs Needed

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to skip cooking chicken breasts.
• Keep buffalo sauce and ranch dressing stocked in your fridge for quick flavor boosts.
• Frozen shredded cheese works just as well, just thaw before using.
• Store breadcrumbs in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

• Overcooking the pasta until mushy—remember to cook it al dente to avoid a soggy bake.
• Skipping the breadcrumb toasting step, which adds essential texture contrast.
• Not seasoning the chicken and pasta mixture enough, leading to a bland dish.
• Using too much buffalo sauce without balancing with ranch, causing the dish to be overly spicy.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

This Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare all components up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred it and toss with the buffalo and ranch sauces as the recipe directs.

What pasta works best for this bake?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their tubular shapes hold the sauce beautifully. However, you can also use other sturdy pasta like ziti or even cavatappi if that’s what you have on hand.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce used. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a milder version. You can always add extra ranch to tone down the spice as well.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store leftover Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Keep Cooking

• Love the creamy, cheesy vibe? Check out this Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese for another spicy, cheesy delight.
• Craving more ranch-infused pasta? The Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta Casserole might just be your new favorite.
• Want to try a southwestern twist? Don’t miss the flavorful Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake, packed with bold spices and cheesy goodness.

Bring It to the Table

This dish shines when paired with crisp, fresh sides—a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, the Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake is guaranteed to bring smiles and seconds.

Enjoy every cheesy, spicy, creamy forkful of this irresistible pasta bake—the ultimate comfort meal with a flavorful kick!

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