Get ready to turn up the heat on dinner with this zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta! This recipe combines the fiery punch of buffalo sauce with creamy ranch and melty cheese, all tossed with hearty penne pasta and succulent chicken strips seasoned with taco spice. It’s a bold, flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a spicy twist to their pasta night. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, this dish promises to deliver big flavors with minimal fuss. So, preheat your oven and let’s get cooking—this is one pasta dish that’s sure to delight all the buffalo sauce lovers out there!
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of penne pasta
- 1.5 cups of ranch dressing (preferably Hidden Valley Ranch)
- 1 cup of Frank’s Buffalo sauce
- 1 to 2 packages of cream cheese, cut into blocks
- Shredded cheese (amount to taste, plus extra for topping)
- 2 bags of Kroger breast strips
- 2 packages of taco seasoning
- Oil (for cooking chicken)
- Water (for cooking pasta and chicken)
Equipment:
- Oven
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large mixing bowl
- Large oven-proof skillet or baking dish
- Stove
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of water.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until tender.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of ranch dressing, 1 cup of Frank’s Buffalo sauce, and the blocks of cream cheese.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breast strips until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to the chicken, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large oven-proof skillet or baking dish, combine the drained pasta, buffalo sauce mixture, and cooked chicken.
- Stir well to ensure that all the noodles are coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
- Add Cheese:
- Mix in a generous amount of shredded cheese into the pasta mixture.
- Top the mixture with an additional layer of shredded cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Bake:
- Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Broil for Finishing:
- Turn the oven to broil and broil the pasta for 1-2 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Enjoy!
- Serve hot, garnished with additional ranch or buffalo sauce if desired.
Why You’ll Love it:
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
- Bold Flavors: The combination of Frank’s Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing creates a tangy, spicy, and creamy sauce that’s irresistible. The addition of taco seasoning to the chicken infuses an extra layer of flavor that complements the buffalo-ranch fusion perfectly.
- Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish. This recipe takes it to the next level with the heartiness of chicken and the rich, gooey cheese, making it a fulfilling meal that’s sure to satisfy any appetite.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavors, this pasta dish is straightforward to prepare. It involves simple cooking techniques like boiling pasta, mixing ingredients in a bowl, and baking, which are manageable even for novice cooks.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its familiar yet exciting flavors. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve something that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: The recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness, choose different types of cheese, or add additional toppings like green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or diced celery for extra texture and flavor.
- All-in-One Meal: With protein, carbs, and veggies (if you choose to add some like bell peppers or spinach), it can serve as a standalone dish without the need for numerous sides, simplifying meal preparation.
How to store it:
Storing your Buffalo Chicken Pasta properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for future meals. Here’s how to do it:
Refrigerating:
- Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which could make the pasta soggy.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the pasta into an airtight container. This helps to keep out moisture and other contaminants.
- Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the Buffalo Chicken Pasta will last for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the pasta is completely cool before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
- Portion Out: If you prefer, you can freeze the pasta in individual serving sizes. This makes it easy to thaw only as much as you need for a future meal.
- Freezer-Safe Containers or Bags: Use airtight freezer-safe containers or bags to store the pasta. Be sure to label the containers or bags with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- Freeze: Properly stored, the pasta can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Beyond this, it may start to lose its flavor and texture.
Thawing and Reheating:
- Refrigerator Thawing: Transfer the frozen pasta to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it, allowing it to thaw slowly.
- Microwave Thawing: For a quicker option, use the microwave to defrost the pasta. Use the defrost setting or heat at 50% power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or extra ranch or buffalo sauce if the mixture seems dry. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, covering the dish and stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
