Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Casserole
Creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser with a golden, bubbly top that'll make your taste buds dance.
Total: 60 minPrep: 20 minCook: 40 min8 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (125+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a large bowl, combine buffalo wing sauce and shredded chicken.
- 4 In another bowl, mix sour cream, ranch dressing, milk, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- 5 Combine pasta, chicken mixture, and cream sauce in a large bowl; stir in celery and 1.5 cups cheddar cheese.
- 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 7 Sprinkle remaining 0.5 cups cheddar and blue cheese (if using) over the top.
- 8 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- 9 Garnish with green onions before serving.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Oven
Variations
- Add diced cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Use hot sauce of choice for a customized spice level.
Substitutions
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- If you can't find buffalo wing sauce, use a mix of hot sauce and melted butter.
Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
35g carbohydrates
Protein:
25g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This casserole tastes even better after sitting for a bit, allowing flavors to meld.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a hearty dinner.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It saves time and adds great flavor.