Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta is a perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch flavors, tossed with tender chicken and pasta. This hearty dish is both comforting and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish with about three layers of penne pasta, coated evenly in an orange sauce with a smooth texture. Small, finely chopped green herbs are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm color of the sauce. The pasta looks soft and well mixed with the sauce, filling the frame with no plate visible. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 340g penne pasta
  • 450g chicken breast, diced
  • 180ml buffalo sauce
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 115g cream cheese
  • 120g cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 120g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 30g crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Season the chicken with garlic powder and onion powder.
  4. Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with parsley and crumbled cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful meat option.
  • Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.
  • Use mild buffalo sauce and add hot sauce separately to control spice level.
  • For a lighter version, swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy penne pasta, with three main layers visible. The base layer is the cooked penne pasta, light yellow in color with a smooth texture. The middle layer is a thick, orange-colored creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta. Scattered all over the top layer are small pieces of chopped green herbs, adding a fresh green contrast to the creamy orange and yellow pasta below. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle works well with this creamy sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot buffalo sauce or by adding less sauce to the recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast, penne pasta, and a flavorful buffalo-ranch cheese sauce. It’s an easy one-skillet meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, featuring a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese infused with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning, finished with fresh parsley and optional blue cheese crumbles for extra tang.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 340g penne pasta

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 450g chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp butter

Sauces and Cheese

  • 180ml buffalo sauce
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 28g)
  • 115g cream cheese
  • 120g cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 120g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 30g crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 340g of penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced 450g chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder over the cooked chicken, stirring to evenly coat.
  4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add 180ml buffalo sauce, 115g cream cheese, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 120g shredded cheddar cheese, and 120g shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the buffalo-ranch cheese sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors and warm through.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, 30g crumbled blue cheese or feta. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy buffalo chicken ranch pasta!

Notes

  • Use freshly chopped parsley to enhance the dish’s fresh aroma and color.
  • Blue cheese is optional but adds a classic tangy flavor complementing the buffalo sauce.
  • For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce quantity or use mild buffalo sauce.
  • Pasta can be cooked a minute less than al dente if you prefer softer texture as it will simmer with sauce.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or water.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo chicken pasta, buffalo chicken ranch pasta, creamy buffalo pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipes

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating