Name: Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta bake, and this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake takes it to the next level. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheese creates a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a game day feast, or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I love how easy it is to put together—just cook the pasta, mix everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. The result? A bubbling, golden-brown pasta bake that’s packed with bold flavors and the perfect amount of spice. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this dish will give you all those same flavors in a heartwarming, cheesy casserole form.

Why You’ll Love This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Bold, Tangy Flavor – The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing creates the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
Easy to Make – Just a few simple steps and it’s ready for the oven!
Great for Meal Prep – This dish stores well, making it perfect for leftovers.
Family-Friendly – You can adjust the spice level to make it kid-friendly.
Cheesy and Comforting – Melty cheese and baked pasta always hit the spot.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake?

When making this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake, choosing the right pasta is key to getting the best texture and sauce coverage. Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli work best because their ridges and curves help hold onto the creamy buffalo ranch sauce. Avoid long, thin noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they won’t distribute the sauce as evenly in a baked dish. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, those options work well too—just be sure to slightly undercook them before baking so they don’t become mushy.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this pasta bake is how versatile it is! Here are some easy swaps you can make based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Pasta Swap – Use whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta to fit your diet.
Buffalo Sauce – If you want a milder flavor, use a mix of buffalo sauce and barbecue sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce.
Ranch Dressing – Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning can be a lighter alternative.
Protein Options – Shredded rotisserie chicken is the easiest, but cooked ground turkey, tofu, or even black beans can work as well.
Cheese Choices – While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, you can use pepper jack for extra spice or blue cheese for more of a traditional buffalo wing flavor.
Add More Veggies – Toss in diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.

Ingredients for This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in bringing out the bold flavors and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini) – The base of the dish, perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Cooked shredded chicken – Adds protein and pairs well with the buffalo ranch flavors.
Buffalo sauce – The star of the show, giving the dish its signature spicy, tangy kick.
Ranch dressing – Balances the heat with a cool, creamy element.
Cream cheese – Helps create a rich, velvety sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, melty goodness.
Mozzarella cheese – Ensures a gooey, stretchy cheese pull in every bite.
Garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor.
Onion powder – Adds a subtle depth to the sauce.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Chopped parsley or green onions – A fresh garnish to brighten up the dish.

Each ingredient works together to create a creamy, spicy, and cheesy pasta bake that’s full of bold flavor and comforting texture.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, this helps prevent it from becoming too soft. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Ranch Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over everything and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

How Long to Cook the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

The total cooking time for this dish is about 20-25 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together perfectly. Since the pasta and chicken are already cooked beforehand, the baking time is mainly to heat everything through and achieve that delicious, golden-brown cheesy topping.

If you prefer an extra crispy, bubbly top, you can switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Tips for the Perfect Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Undercook the pasta slightly – Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, boiling it for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.
Adjust the spice level – If you love heat, add a little extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of barbecue sauce or reduce the amount used.
Don’t skip the cream cheese – It helps create a velvety, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
Let it rest before serving – Allowing the pasta bake to sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience – It’s a time-saver and absorbs the flavors well.
Add mix-ins for variety – Stir in veggies like diced bell peppers, spinach, or even crumbled cooked bacon for extra texture and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the pasta – Since the pasta continues cooking in the oven, boiling it too long beforehand can make it too soft and mushy.
Skipping the cream cheese – This ingredient is crucial for a creamy, rich sauce. Without it, the sauce may turn out too thin.
Using pre-shredded cheese – It contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy instead of smooth and melty.
Not mixing the sauce thoroughly – Make sure the buffalo sauce, ranch, and cream cheese are fully combined for an even flavor throughout the dish.
Forgetting to grease the baking dish – A light coating of oil or butter prevents the pasta from sticking to the pan.
Not adjusting spice levels – If serving to kids or those who prefer mild flavors, reduce the buffalo sauce and add extra ranch dressing for balance.
Skipping the resting time – Let the bake sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

What to Serve With Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

This bold and creamy dish pairs well with lighter sides to balance out the richness. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that creamy buffalo ranch sauce.

2. Side Salad

A fresh garden salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a bit of crunch and a hint of sweetness to complement the spice.

4. Celery and Carrot Sticks

A classic pairing with buffalo flavors, these crunchy veggies add a refreshing contrast.

5. Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing

Serve a small dish on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top for extra creaminess.

6. Corn on the Cob

The sweetness of buttered corn pairs beautifully with the spicy, tangy buffalo sauce.

7. Coleslaw

A light, tangy coleslaw helps balance the heat and adds a nice crunch to your meal.

8. Baked Potato Wedges

Crispy potato wedges make a hearty and satisfying side, especially when dipped in extra ranch dressing.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake stores beautifully for future meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta bake in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating from Frozen: Let the bake thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take up to 40 minutes in the oven.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prepping or entertaining guests.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~450-550 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~20g
Saturated Fat: ~10g
Sodium: ~900mg (varies based on buffalo sauce and ranch used)
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g

Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt-based ranch, and reduced-fat cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Pasta Bake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

2. Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can use pepper jack for extra spice, blue cheese for a traditional buffalo wing flavor, or Monterey Jack for a milder option.

3. How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

To reduce the heat, use less buffalo sauce or mix it with extra ranch dressing. You can also add more cream cheese or shredded cheese to mellow out the spice.

4. Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Chicken?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for cooked ground turkey, shredded pork, tofu, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.

5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of milk or extra ranch before reheating.

6. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free.

7. What Can I Add to This Bake for More Flavor?

You can mix in diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, spinach, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! This pasta bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly, and when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is a must-try for any buffalo sauce lover! It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it with friends and family who love a good comfort meal. Enjoy!