This Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta is a perfect fusion of bold, zesty flavors and rich, creamy goodness. With just the right amount of spice from the buffalo sauce and a smooth, velvety texture from the ranch dressing and heavy cream, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a spicy twist on a classic pasta dish, this recipe is a winner!
Ingredients
250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
½ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and heavy cream. Stir in the paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you’re looking for extra heat. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the shredded chicken and stir well to coat. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Spice it up: For a bolder flavor, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce.
Cheese: If you want a more indulgent dish, feel free to add more shredded cheese or even some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Chicken alternatives: If you don’t have cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly, or you can opt for cooked ground chicken or even a meatless version with sautéed veggies.
Lighten it up: Swap the heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk to make it a lighter dish.
Pasta variety: Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free options.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creamy consistency. Stir until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Choose one that holds the sauce well, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Yes, you can make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken. You could even add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for some added texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a mild buffalo sauce. For extra spice, you can increase the cayenne or add more buffalo sauce.
Can I use a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or any dairy-free cream, and use dairy-free cheese and ranch dressing alternatives to make it dairy-free.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the point where you mix in the pasta and cheese. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to serve, just reheat it and add the pasta and cheese, then mix everything together.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the cool creaminess of ranch dressing. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a spicy comfort food fix. With its bold flavors and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe I’ll be making over and over again.
Recipe:
Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta is the ultimate fusion of bold, zesty buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, making it the perfect comfort food for spice lovers. With tender shredded chicken and gooey cheddar cheese, this pasta dish is a savory and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing family meal!
Ingredients
250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
½ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1 tbsp butter
¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir in paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss everything together until well-coated and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
If you prefer more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken, or even use ground chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
