Creamy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Bake

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. 4 Stir in buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and milk; cook until well combined and slightly thickened.
5. 5 Combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, bacon, celery, and red onion in a large bowl.
6. 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. 8 Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
9. 9 Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Variations

• Add cooked chicken for a heartier version.
• Substitute half the buffalo sauce with hot sauce for a unique twist.

Substitutions

• If you can't find buffalo sauce, use a mix of hot sauce and butter.
• Use sour cream mixed with herbs as a substitute for ranch dressing.

Pairings

• Pairs nicely with a cold beer.
• A side of buttermilk ranch dressing on the side for cooling relief.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warm.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Pairs well with garlic bread for dipping into extra sauce.

FAQ