Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: buffalo chicken ranch pasta! This creamy, spicy delight is a game changer and honestly, it’s become a staple at our family gatherings. I remember the first time I made it for my friends – we were all sitting around the table, and as soon as they took their first bite, their eyes lit up! The combination of tender pasta, shredded chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, and the cool touch of ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, buffalo chicken ranch pasta always brings everyone together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your buffalo chicken ranch pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (feel free to use rotisserie chicken for ease!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (creamy goodness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier!)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for a fresh kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step!)
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious buffalo chicken ranch pasta! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and oh-so-worth it. Just follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying this creamy, spicy dish in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s cook that penne pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 11-12 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s done, just drain the pasta and set it aside for a moment while we get everything else ready.
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
Now, let’s talk chicken! In a large bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Make sure to mix it well; you want every little piece of chicken to be coated in that zesty sauce. It’s the heart of the flavor! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on how spicy you like it—don’t be shy!
Combining Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine that cooked penne pasta with the buffalo chicken mixture. Now, here’s the fun part—add in 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and mix everything together thoroughly. You want the ranch to embrace the pasta and chicken, creating that creamy texture we all love. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated.
Final Touches
Almost there! Now, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese—because more cheese is always a good idea! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, for a pop of color and a fresh kick, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top. Serve it warm and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes!
- Full of flavor with that perfect spicy kick from the buffalo sauce.
- Rich, creamy texture that’s super satisfying.
- Perfect for gatherings; everyone will want seconds!
- Versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun party dish.
Tips for Success
To make your buffalo chicken ranch pasta absolutely perfect, here are some pro tips you won’t want to miss! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice tolerance—if you like it hot, go for it! If you’re cooking for a crowd that might not appreciate the heat, start with less and let everyone add extra to their plates. Also, using rotisserie chicken can save you time and effort; it’s pre-cooked and oh-so-tender, making this dish even easier to whip up. Another tip? If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding some shredded carrots or celery for a little crunch and extra color. Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your dish to new heights!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for a serving of buffalo chicken ranch pasta. Keep in mind that these values are approximate, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
This dish packs a punch of flavor while being a satisfying meal option!
FAQ Section
I’ve got you covered with answers to some common questions about buffalo chicken ranch pasta! First off, can I use different pasta varieties? Absolutely! While I love penne for its perfect shape, you can easily swap it out for rotini, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking times as they may vary a bit.
Now, can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! It’s a great option for meal prep or potlucks. Just prepare everything, and instead of serving it immediately, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warmed through.
Speaking of storage, how do I store leftovers? Simply place any leftover buffalo chicken ranch pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should be good for about 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready for a tasty meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy every last bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your buffalo chicken ranch pasta is super easy! Just let any leftovers cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it so you know what’s in there!
When you’re ready to enjoy your pasta again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can either pop it in the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until everything is heated through. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal complete, consider serving buffalo chicken ranch pasta alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. It balances the rich flavors beautifully! You could also whip up some garlic bread for that perfect cheesy, buttery side—who doesn’t love that? And don’t forget some crunchy veggie sticks with extra ranch dip for snacking. These additions will definitely elevate your dining experience!
Print
Buffalo chicken ranch pasta: 5 reasons you’ll love it
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and spicy dish combining pasta, buffalo chicken, and ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Combine cooked pasta with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Add ranch dressing and mix well.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
- Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken ranch pasta
