Description
Bold Creamy Buffalo Ranch Meatball Pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the heat of buffalo sauce with the coolness of ranch dressing. This comforting meal is ideal for cozy nights in or fun gatherings with friends. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors make it a standout choice that everyone will enjoy. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends. The tender meatballs, pasta, and rich sauce meld together for an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone craving more. Whether served as a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this pasta creation is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb meatballs (frozen or homemade)
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the meatballs according to package instructions or until fully cooked if homemade. Set aside once done.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and add the uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer while stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked (about 10–12 minutes).
- Stir in the cooked meatballs along with Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. Ensure everything is well mixed until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve warm, enjoying with optional garnishes like chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by altering the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Mixing different cheeses adds depth to the flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven, microwave, or stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth for moisture if reheating on the stovetop.
- Homemade meatballs can be used.
- Any preferred brand of buffalo sauce works.
- This meal can be prepared ahead of time; cook pasta just before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg