Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this ranch buffalo pasta bake! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, combining creamy ranch with a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, if you’re looking for a dish that’s not just comforting but also packed with flavor, this is it! It’s super easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just craving something hearty. Plus, you’ll love how the cheese gets all bubbly and golden on top—seriously, who can resist that? It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and the best part? You can customize the heat level to your liking. So, grab your favorite pasta and let’s make this delicious dish together!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need for this scrumptious ranch buffalo pasta bake! Here’s what you’ll need, and I promise it’s super simple:
- 8 oz penne pasta: This is the star of the show! Cook it al dente for that perfect chewy texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover chicken or grab a rotisserie chicken for convenience—easy peasy!
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: This adds that spicy kick! Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 cup ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy goodness that balances the spice beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that delightful sharpness and melting factor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because more cheese equals more love, right?
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: This adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color!
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A must for that extra flavor boost.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just a pinch for a little zing.
There you go! All the ingredients laid out for you. Feel free to get creative with this list if you want to add your own twist!
How to Prepare Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this mouthwatering ranch buffalo pasta bake! I promise it’s super straightforward and will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot by the time we’re ready to bake!
- Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Usually, that’s around 8-10 minutes. You want it to have a little bite to it, so don’t overdo it!
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir it all together until everything is nicely coated and happy!
- Add the pasta: Once your pasta is cooked and drained, toss it into the bowl with the chicken mixture. Stir well to make sure every piece of pasta is covered in that delicious sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is where the magic happens!
- Cheese it up: Top it off with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese—don’t be shy, the more, the merrier!
- Bake to perfection: Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Just wait for that cheesy goodness to pull you in!
- Garnish: Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch before serving. Wow, your guests will be impressed!
And there you have it! A delicious ranch buffalo pasta bake that’s ready to be devoured. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy ranch and spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist!
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go in no time.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste or add your favorite veggies for a personal twist.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your ranch buffalo pasta bake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Keep that pasta a little firm since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents it from getting mushy!
- Use Quality Sauces: The flavor of your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing is key. I love using homemade ranch for an extra kick, but store-bought works just fine too!
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Seriously, pile on that cheddar and mozzarella! It creates a glorious, cheesy top layer that everyone will love.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to scoop out portions.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to sneak in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them small so they blend in well!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re going to nail this recipe every time!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious ranch buffalo pasta bake! Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a filling meal! Enjoy every cheesy bite while knowing you’re getting a good balance of flavors and nutrients.
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delicious ranch buffalo pasta bake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne, you can easily swap in rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level really depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a milder sauce or use less, then work your way up!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade ranch by mixing mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, and some herbs. It’s super easy!
Is this ranch buffalo pasta bake kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy ranch helps balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this mouthwatering ranch buffalo pasta bake and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing it is super easy. Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, it also freezes beautifully! Just portion it out, wrap it well, and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. To reheat, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the cheese might get a bit rubbery. Enjoy your leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delectable ranch buffalo pasta bake, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect match, balancing the richness of the dish. You might also want to add some crunchy celery sticks with blue cheese dressing for that classic buffalo flavor experience. And if you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, some warm garlic bread would be fantastic for mopping up all that cheesy goodness! Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal to the next level!
For more delicious recipes, check out Buffalo Chicken Pizza or Beer Battered Fish and Chips!
Imprimer
Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake: 5 Flavorful Reasons to Indulge
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious ranch buffalo pasta bake with a spicy kick.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 28g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: ranch buffalo pasta bake
