Description
A quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich, spicy, and creamy sauce made with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) dry penne or rigatoni pasta
- 8 ounces (225 grams) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) creamy ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Frank’s RedHot or similar buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until smooth and melted (2-3 minutes).
- Pour in ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and milk. Whisk gently to combine and ensure no lumps remain.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Toss and stir until cheese is fully melted and integrated.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use full-fat dairy for the best texture and flavor. If the sauce breaks or looks oily, remove from heat and whisk in a splash of cold milk or pasta water. Do not freeze this dish as the dairy sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
Keywords: buffalo ranch pasta, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food, 30 minute meals, penne recipe