There’s something magical about the perfect harmony of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese. Toss in tender pasta, bake it to perfection, and you’ve got a dish that’s as comforting as a cozy blanket on a cold night. This Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is everything you love about a hearty, cheesy casserole—with a bold, tangy kick!
I first came across this mouthwatering dish on Chef Maniac, where it immediately caught my eye. After one bite, it became an instant favorite in my household. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual dinner or sharing it with friends during game night, this pasta bake will steal the show. Be sure to follow me for more irresistible recipes like this one!
A Comfort Food Classic with a Spicy Twist
Buffalo chicken has been a beloved staple in American cuisine ever since the creation of Buffalo wings in the 1960s in New York. Pairing its signature spicy flavor with ranch dressing has become iconic, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the heat. Add bacon to the mix? That’s just culinary genius!
This dish combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with the richness of a classic pasta bake. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and so satisfying you’ll want seconds (maybe even thirds!). Plus, the crispy bacon and bubbly cheese on top make every bite pure heaven.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this masterpiece:
- Cook the Pasta and Prep the Chicken:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work great for this dish. While the pasta boils, shred about 1 lb of cooked chicken—this is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken breasts. - Mix the Sauce and Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ½ cup buffalo sauce, and 1 cup ranch dressing. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir everything together until it’s evenly coated. - Combine and Assemble:
Stir in the cooked pasta and crispy crumbled bacon (about 6 slices) to the chicken mixture. Once combined, pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. - Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates that golden, melty crust we all love in a baked casserole. - Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pasta dish for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will make it hard to wait! - Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch your family dig in.
Recipe Variations and Tips
- For a Spicier Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra buffalo sauce to the mix.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without the gluten.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or cauliflower and swap the bacon for veggie bacon or leave it out entirely.
- Cheese Lover’s Upgrade: Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra melty goodness.
Pairings and Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a few simple sides will take the meal to the next level:
- A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bite of the creamy sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a lighter touch.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe has it all: bold buffalo flavor, creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender pasta, all wrapped up in one cheesy, bubbly casserole. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry family or satisfying your cravings for comfort food.
If you love buffalo wings or cheesy pasta dishes, this recipe will blow your mind! The combination of flavors is so addictive that it might just become your new go-to dinner.
Bring This Dish to Life!
Are you ready to dive into a warm, melty plate of Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you tweak the recipe or try any fun variations? Leave your comments below—I’d love to hear from you.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family and hit that follow button for more cozy and delicious recipes from Chef Maniac. Happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb of cooked chicken—this is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
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