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Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta Recipe

4.4 from 72 reviews

Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta is a flavorful American dish combining tender penne or rotini pasta with shredded chicken, smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce made from buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, delivering a comforting and zesty meal ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Add Chicken and Buffalo Sauce: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Mix in Creamy Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Add ranch dressing and heavy cream, stirring until well combined and heated through.
  5. Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
  7. Serve Hot: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions to add freshness and color. Enjoy your creamy, spicy buffalo ranch pasta!

Notes

  • Use high-quality buffalo sauce for the best flavor impact.
  • Adjust heavy cream quantity to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
  • Fresh garlic brings out better aroma and flavor than garlic powder.
  • Experiment with cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture holds better with the sauce.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spice level to your preference.
  • Always season with salt and pepper at the end to balance flavors.
  • Garnishing with green onions adds a fresh contrast to the creamy and spicy sauce.

Keywords: Buffalo ranch pasta, creamy pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, American pasta dish, buffalo chicken pasta