Ever have one of those days where you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-comforting? Well, let me introduce you to the ultimate solution: my Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake. This dish is like a big, cozy hug in food form, bringing together the irresistible flavors of buffalo wings and creamy ranch in a pasta bake that is destined to become your new favorite comfort food. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist diving into this cheesy, spicy masterpiece!
I love how Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake combines the creamy richness of ranch seasoning with the spicy kick of buffalo wing sauce. The tender, diced chicken and rotini pasta make for a satisfying, protein-packed dish, while the blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds the perfect cheesy touch.
Plus, the green onions and optional blue cheese crumble reflect flavorful sophistication that makes pasta nights something special at my home!
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe Ingredients
- Rotini Pasta: A great source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken: High in protein, low in fat.
- Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds savory flavor and spices.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adds spicy, tangy heat to the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides protein, calcium, and richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a mild taste and creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness.
- Sour Cream: Provides tang and creaminess.
- Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Blue Cheese: Optional, adds bold flavor and crunch.
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe Ingredient Quantities
Sure, here’s a detailed list of ingredients for Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake:
“`html
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
“`
How to Make this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully cooked through and browned.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the ranch seasoning mix and buffalo wing sauce until well combined.
5. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the chicken mixture, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese, if using. Serve warm.
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Cooking spray
4. Large pot
5. Colander
6. Large skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Large mixing bowl
9. Measuring cups
10. Knife
11. Cutting board
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or any similar pasta shape that holds sauce well. - Q: How spicy is the buffalo wing sauce?
A: The spice level can vary by brand, but generally, buffalo wing sauce is moderately spicy. Adjust the amount used based on your taste preference. - Q: Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning mix?
A: You can make a homemade version using dried parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. - Q: Is the blue cheese necessary?
A: No, the blue cheese is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor. - Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a time saver. Add it when combining the sauce with the pasta to heat through. - Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe Substitutions and Variations
“`html
- Instead of 12 oz rotini pasta, use 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta for a similar texture.
- Substitute 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Replace 2 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil for a neutral flavor.
- Instead of ranch seasoning mix, use 1 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning or 1 tbsp Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Use 1/2 cup hot sauce mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter instead of buffalo wing sauce.
“`
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor with Marinade: For extra flavor, consider marinating the diced chicken in a mixture of a little extra ranch seasoning and buffalo wing sauce for an hour before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with more robust flavors.
2. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To ensure your rotini pasta doesn’t become mushy, cook it just to al dente according to the package instructions. It will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
3. Cream Cheese Tip: To make blending the cream cheese into the chicken mixture easier, ensure it’s softened to room temperature. If it’s still firm, give it a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
4. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce based on your spice preference. If you like it milder, use less buffalo wing sauce and consider adding more ranch seasoning for balance.
5. Crispy Cheese Topping: For a crispy cheese crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, and get that delicious golden-brown finish.
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
My favorite Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Cooking spray
4. Large pot
5. Colander
6. Large skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Large mixing bowl
9. Measuring cups
10. Knife
11. Cutting board
Ingredients:
Sure, here’s a detailed list of ingredients for Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake:
“`html
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
“`
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully cooked through and browned.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the ranch seasoning mix and buffalo wing sauce until well combined.
5. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the chicken mixture, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese, if using. Serve warm.
