Go Back
Close up of al dente penne pasta in a thick orange buffalo ranch sauce within a Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food

A decadent Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake featuring al dente penne, moist shredded chicken, and a thick, vibrant orange sauce topped with bubbly charred mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin for Later
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb Penne Rigate 450g, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups Shredded Chicken Breast 450g, cooked
  • 1 cup Buffalo Sauce 240ml
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing 240ml, plus extra for drizzle
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese 225g, softened
  • 1.5 cups Mozzarella Cheese 170g, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese 115g, freshly shredded
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions 50g, finely sliced

Equipment

  • 1 White ceramic rectangular baking dish 9x13 inch preferred
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a white ceramic rectangular baking dish with oil or butter.
  2. Boil penne in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until a thick, vibrant orange cream sauce forms.
  2. Toss the al dente pasta and shredded chicken with the sauce until thoroughly coated. Transfer to the baking dish.
  3. Top with a heavy layer of mozzarella and sharp cheddar, ensuring coverage to the edges.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20 minutes. Switch to broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese shows golden-brown bubbly spots and slight charring.
  2. Drizzle with a zigzag of ranch dressing and scatter green onions over the top before serving.

Notes

Use block cheese for the best melt.
Don't overcook the pasta initially, it finishes in the oven.