Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

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If you’re craving comfort food with a spicy twist, this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake delivers everything you want—creamy, cheesy, tangy, and just the right kick of heat. Imagine tender pasta coated in a velvety buffalo ranch sauce, baked under a golden, bubbly cheese topping, and finished with a sprinkle of green onions and blue cheese crumbles for the ultimate flavor punch. It’s weeknight-friendly, easy to prep ahead, and guaranteed to satisfy both buffalo sauce fans and mac-and-cheese lovers alike.

Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner with family, this pasta bake is always a crowd-pleaser. Every bite bursts with creamy ranch, bold buffalo flavor, and melty cheese, creating a deliciously crave-worthy main dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

This pasta bake brings together the best of comfort food—creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and the cool tang of ranch. It’s filling and satisfying, yet simple to prepare. The combination of hot and tangy sauce with melty cheese and hearty pasta is irresistible, especially for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meals. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers!

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for a Buffalo Pasta Bake?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes are ideal—think rigatoni, penne, or rotini. These shapes hold the creamy buffalo ranch sauce beautifully, giving you the perfect balance of sauce and pasta in every bite. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair, as they don’t stand up to baking or hold sauce as well.

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Ingredients for the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Every ingredient in this recipe brings flavor, texture, and heartiness to the finished dish:

• Rigatoni pasta – Holds the thick, creamy sauce in every tube, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.
• Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped) – Adds protein and makes the bake satisfying as a main dish.
• Cream cheese – Gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture and subtle tang.
• Buffalo wing sauce – The star of the show, providing bold, spicy flavor.
• Ranch dressing – Adds that cool, tangy balance and creaminess to mellow the buffalo heat.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top and inside for gooey, stretchy cheese pulls.
• Cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, savory depth that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.
• Blue cheese crumbles – Optional, but they add a punchy, classic buffalo wing finish.
• Green onions – For a fresh, zesty pop of color and flavor.
• Panko or plain breadcrumbs – Optional, for a crispy, golden topping.
• Butter – Helps brown the breadcrumbs and adds extra richness.

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How To Make Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Making this cheesy, spicy pasta bake is simple. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook until just al dente, 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Ranch Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 oz cream cheese. Stir in 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce and 3/4 cup ranch dressing, whisking until smooth and creamy.

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Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the drained pasta and 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded cheddar until just melted. Mix well to coat every piece.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

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Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs until lightly toasted, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes.

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Step 7: Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions. Serve hot!

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Serving and Storing Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

This recipe serves 6–8 people as a main course, making it perfect for families or a casual dinner party. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

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What to Serve With Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake?

1. Classic Caesar Salad

A crisp, refreshing Caesar salad is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, spicy pasta.

2. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is ideal for scooping up every bit of sauce.

3. Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Their sweetness balances the spicy tang of the bake. Try these Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers With Goat Cheese for a delicious appetizer.

4. Cucumber Bites

Cool and crunchy cucumber bites make a refreshing side. See our Cucumber Bites With Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese.

5. Vegetable Spring Rolls

Light and packed with veggies, spring rolls offer a fresh contrast. Check out Vegetable Spring Rolls With Dipping Sauce.

6. Rainbow Smoothie Bowls

For a fun, fruity finish, serve smoothie bowls for dessert. Explore Rainbow Smoothie Bowls.

7. Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

A vibrant, healthy breakfast-for-dinner option! Try Blueberry Smoothie Bowl Recipe.

8. Simple Steamed Broccoli

Adds color and nutrition to your plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly and saves prep time. Just be sure to use about 2 cups, shredded or chopped.

Q3: What if I don’t like blue cheese?
Skip the blue cheese topping or substitute with extra cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different tang.

Q4: How can I make it spicier (or less spicy)?
To make it spicier, add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne. For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce and more ranch.

Q5: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use rotisserie chicken or add extra toppings? Have a question or a twist to share? I love hearing how everyone personalizes this recipe—let’s help each other make it even better.

For even more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Meals We Share on Pinterest!

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Conclusion

This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is your answer to easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food with a spicy twist. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy, tangy, and savory flavors—sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want a fun twist on classic pasta night, you’ll love how quick, hearty, and flavor-packed this recipe is.

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Internal links for SEO in this article:

• Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers With Goat Cheese
• Cucumber Bites With Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
• Vegetable Spring Rolls With Dipping Sauce
• Rainbow Smoothie Bowls
• Blueberry Smoothie Bowl Recipe

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