If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, then this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Creamy ranch meets spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. It’s a one-pan meal that brings the heat, the creaminess, and the cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish hits all the right notes—easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake stands out because it combines two classic flavors—buffalo and ranch—in a way that’s cozy and comforting, yet packed with excitement. The spicy tang of buffalo sauce is mellowed by the cool creaminess of ranch dressing, creating a perfect balance. Adding both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gives it that irresistible gooey texture with a sharp, melty finish. Plus, cubed chicken breast adds hearty protein, making this a satisfying, all-in-one meal.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out cheeses, add veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking. And if you’re a fan of game day snacks, be sure to check out Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups or Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread for more buffalo-inspired delights.
The Ingredient Lineup
- 2 cups penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed: Tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up the sauce.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick to the dish.
- 1 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cooling, creamy element that balances the heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful for that classic cheese punch.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, stretchy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild oniony crunch on top.
Equipment at a Glance
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan for cooking chicken
- 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole
- Mixing bowl for combining sauces
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts
The Method for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buffalo sauce and 1 cup of ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In the same large pot or a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the sautéed chicken. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta, chicken, and sauce mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Add veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
- Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Cheese swap: Use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream before baking to amp up the richness.
- Swap pasta shapes: Try rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture experience.
Little Things that Matter
Using freshly shredded cheese makes a huge difference in melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain additives. Also, let the baked dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially; it will cook more in the oven.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to ranch ratio to suit your heat preference.
- Use a sturdy baking dish to ensure even cooking and prevent spills.
- Chopped green onions add a subtle crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble it up to a day ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the creamy texture.
Quick Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the meat and skip the sautéing step. Mix it directly with the pasta and sauce before baking.
How spicy is this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most buffalo sauces have a mild to medium heat. You can always adjust by adding more ranch dressing to tone it down or extra buffalo sauce to turn up the heat.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled dish. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What can I serve with this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake?
Serve it with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. For a fun twist, pair it with Pizza Lasagna for a full comfort food feast.
Next Up in Your Queue
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups – Bite-sized buffalo chicken goodness perfect for snacking.
- Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread – A fun, shareable appetizer with bold buffalo flavor.
- Pizza Lasagna – A cheesy, hearty twist on two classic comfort foods.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake hot, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh green onions. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cooling ranch transforms simple pasta and chicken into a crave-worthy meal. Whether for a busy weeknight or casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. The cheesy topping melts into a golden crust that adds the perfect finishing touch. Grab a fork, dig in, and savor every creamy, spicy, cheesy bite!
This versatile dish delivers big flavor without fuss, making it a go-to comfort food you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
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Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce
- 1 pound chicken breast cubed, tender, bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buffalo sauce brings the signature spicy kick
- 1 cup ranch dressing adds a cooling, creamy element
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp and flavorful for cheese punch
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully for gooey texture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing chicken and adding richness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder adds subtle depth
- to taste salt and pepper essential seasonings
- 2 green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buffalo sauce and 1 cup of ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- In the same large pot or a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the sautéed chicken. Pour the buffalo ranch sauce over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta, chicken, and sauce mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan for cooking chicken
- 9x13-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole
- Mixing bowl for combining sauces
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Let the baked dish rest a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce for easier serving.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to ranch dressing ratio to control the spice level to your liking.
- You can add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently to maintain texture.
