Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Save this recipe on:

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with a spicy kick, this Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake is your new weeknight favorite. It brings together everything comforting about baked pasta: gooey cheese, a hearty meat sauce, and the mouthwatering flavor of ranch and buffalo sauce all in one bubbling casserole. Perfect for game day, busy nights, or cozy weekends, this pasta bake satisfies both spice lovers and those who crave creamy comfort food.

The beauty of this dish is its balance. The tang of buffalo sauce is mellowed by creamy ranch and melted cheese, while the pasta provides a hearty base that ties it all together. It feeds a crowd, reheats like a dream, and tastes like something straight off a restaurant menu. Once you try it, you might just put it on regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

This pasta bake is all about bold flavor and easy prep. It combines ingredients that many already have on hand but transforms them into something exciting. Whether you’re cooking for the family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this one always gets requests for the recipe. It’s also easy to make ahead and perfect for leftovers. That creamy buffalo-ranch combo? Totally irresistible.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pastas like rotini, penne, or rigatoni are ideal for this bake. Their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce and the cheese gets into every nook. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which don’t distribute the sauce as evenly. You want every bite packed with flavor, so stick with sturdy shapes that can handle the heat of the buffalo and the richness of the ranch.

Ingredients for the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

To make this pasta bake truly unforgettable, you want quality ingredients that bring out the bold and creamy balance in every bite. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of comfort and flavor.

• Rotini Pasta
• Ground Chicken
• Buffalo Sauce
• Ranch Dressing
• Cream Cheese
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Pepper

The rotini pasta acts as the perfect base to hold the creamy sauce. Ground chicken is a lighter option that pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce. Speaking of which, buffalo sauce brings that spicy tang, while ranch dressing cools it down with creamy goodness. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella makes the texture incredibly rich and cheesy. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper round out the flavor.

How To Make the Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until fully browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy buffalo chicken mixture. Add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella and stir to combine.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle. Garnish with chopped green onions or more ranch drizzle if desired.

Serving and Storing This Spicy Bake

This Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake feeds about 6 to 8 people depending on portion size. It’s a hearty dish that stands on its own but also pairs well with a crisp salad or some crusty bread. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat perfectly in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Ranch Buffalo Pasta Bake?

Garlic Bread

Nothing sops up the extra cheesy buffalo sauce like warm, buttery garlic bread.

Crisp Green Salad

A simple salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances the creamy heat of the bake.

Celery and Carrot Sticks

Add a fun wing-night twist with raw veggies on the side for crunch.

Blue Cheese Crumbles

Top your pasta with a sprinkle of blue cheese if you like that classic buffalo pairing.

Sweet Cornbread

Slightly sweet, soft cornbread pairs surprisingly well with the spicy tang of buffalo.

Dill Pickles

For a bold side, serve with dill pickles or pickle chips. It adds a great contrast.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this spicy, cheesy bake hits the spot, here are a few other pasta casseroles to explore:

• Try our Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a comforting twist on mac and cheese.
• This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is perfect when you’re short on oven time.
• The Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce delivers bold flavor in every bite.
• Don’t miss the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich, meaty favorite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or mellow with more ranch? Did you sneak in some veggies or top it with breadcrumbs?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and pasta dishes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find your next dinner favorite!

Print

Save this recipe on: