Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)

Rich, spicy buffalo chicken pasta baked with creamy cheeses and a hint of ranch dressing.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 227 grams penne pasta

→ Protein

02 - 300 grams cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie preferred)

→ Sauces and Dairy

03 - 240 milliliters buffalo sauce
04 - 225 grams cream cheese, softened
05 - 115 grams shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 115 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 120 milliliters ranch dressing

→ Garnish

08 - 60 grams chopped green onions (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a 23×33 cm baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - Boil salted water in a large pot, cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until creamy and well incorporated.
04 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
07 - Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Cook pasta al dente as it continues to cook during baking.
02 - Soften cream cheese before mixing for a smooth sauce.
03 - Grate cheese fresh for better melting and creamier texture.
04 - Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking for sauce to thicken.