Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients beforehand is a little kitchen trick I picked up from my grandmother. It keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the joy of creating. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz of penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
If you’re out of buffalo sauce, you can easily substitute it with a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter. And for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing.
Instructions
Cooking is all about enjoying the process, and this dish is no exception. Follow these steps to create your culinary masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Remember, patience is part of the process. Letting the bake rest for a few minutes helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International