Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake! This delightful dish combines creamy ranch-flavored elbow macaroni with tender diced chicken and a fiery buffalo wing sauce, all baked to perfection in individual ramekins. Each serving is topped with tangy blue cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, making it a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress any buffalo wing aficionado. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
shallots
2 (peeled and chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
plain Greek yogurt
6 ounces (none)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix
1 (1 ounce) (none)
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to manufacturer's directions)
cooked chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups (diced)
buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup (none)
blue cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray 8 ramekins with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
2
In a 10-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and celery, sautéing for about 2 minutes until softened.
3
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the plain Greek yogurt and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix until well combined.
4
Incorporate the cooked elbow macaroni into the yogurt mixture, stirring gently to evenly distribute.
5
Carefully divide the noodle mixture into the prepared ramekins, ensuring an even distribution among all 8.
6
Top each ramekin with the diced chicken, then drizzle the buffalo wing sauce generously over the chicken.
7
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of plain breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
8
Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and the tops are lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake?
It is a comfort food dish that combines creamy ranch-flavored elbow macaroni with diced chicken and spicy buffalo wing sauce, topped with blue cheese and breadcrumbs.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, cooked according to the manufacturer's directions.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, while the recipe suggests diced chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken will work perfectly.
What size ramekins should I use?
The recipe is designed to be divided among 8 individual ramekins for single-serving portions.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
Sour cream can be used as a substitute for plain Greek yogurt if you prefer a different tangy base.
How long does it take to bake?
The pasta bake takes approximately 20 minutes in the oven until heated through and golden on top.
Can I make this in one large dish instead of ramekins?
Yes, you can bake it in a single large casserole dish, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
What provides the crunch in this dish?
The crunch comes from a layer of plain breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before baking.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a kick from the buffalo wing sauce, but the ranch and Greek yogurt help to balance the heat.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Yes, you should sauté the chopped shallots and celery in olive oil for about 2 minutes until softened before mixing.
What kind of ranch seasoning is used?
The recipe uses one 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix.
Can I use a different cheese besides blue cheese?
If you aren't a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with gorgonzola, feta, or even shredded mozzarella.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the ramekins?
Generously spray each ramekin with non-stick cooking spray before filling them.
Can I use Panko breadcrumbs instead of plain?
Yes, Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative and will provide an even crunchier topping.
What is the role of shallots in this recipe?
Shallots provide a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the buffalo and ranch elements.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the ramekins and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the individual ramekins. Wrap them tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing.
How do I reheat the pasta bake?
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots would be great additions to the sauté mix.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, the individual ramekin servings make it a great crowd-pleaser for gatherings and parties.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad or roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli pair well with this rich dish.
Does the chicken need to be hot when I add it?
No, the chicken just needs to be pre-cooked; it will heat through during the 20-minute baking process.
Can I use a low-fat Greek yogurt?
Yes, low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt can be used, though full-fat yogurt will yield a creamier texture.
What if I don't have celery?
You can omit the celery, but it adds a traditional buffalo-wing-style crunch and flavor profile.
Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?
Yes, any buffalo wing sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, will work.
How do I know when it's done?
It is done when the mixture is bubbling and the breadcrumbs on top have turned a light golden brown.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe because it uses pre-cooked ingredients and simple assembly steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve 16 people instead of 8.