There’s just something about pasta that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, don’t you think? Now, imagine that comforting embrace getting a spicy twist with buffalo chicken—oh wow! That’s exactly what you get with my *pioneer woman buffalo chicken pasta*. I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids couldn’t get enough of it! We had a family game night, and instead of our usual pizza, I whipped this up. The way they devoured every bite made me realize I’d stumbled upon a new family favorite. It’s a delightful mix of flavors, and trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
How to Prepare Instructions
Now let’s dive into making this deliciousness a reality! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time. It’s all about layering those flavors and baking them to perfection!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want about 4-6 quarts of water for 8 ounces of penne pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mixing the Chicken and Sauces
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce. This is where the magic happens! Stir well to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated in that spicy goodness. Next, pour in 1 cup of ranch dressing and mix until everything is beautifully combined.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your cooked penne pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together. Then, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles. Give it another good stir to mix in all that cheesy goodness.
Baking the Dish
Transfer your pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it—smell that aroma? It’s going to be hard to wait!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guide. For each serving, you can expect about 600 calories, 30g of fat, 35g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every bite while keeping it in mind!
Tips for Success
Want to make your *pioneer woman buffalo chicken pasta* even more fantastic? I’ve got some great tips for you! First off, using rotisserie chicken can save you a ton of time—just shred that juicy goodness right off the bone. If you like it spicy, don’t be shy; adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste! Start with a little, and you can always add more. Also, feel free to mix in different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or even some mozzarella for a gooey texture. And remember, letting it sit for a few minutes after baking makes it easier to serve. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort food that warms the soul with every bite.
- Versatile; you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Delicious blend of flavors that everyone in the family will love!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, consider pairing the *pioneer woman buffalo chicken pasta* with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness! You could also serve some warm, crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy goodness. Trust me, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick, comforting meal!
Print
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Pasta: 5 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting buffalo chicken pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Add the ranch dressing to the chicken mixture and stir.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pioneer woman buffalo chicken pasta, buffalo chicken, pasta recipes, comfort food