Bold Buffalo Ranch Meatball Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Bold Buffalo Ranch Meatball Pasta is a deliciously creamy and spicy dish that combines tender meatballs with a flavorful buffalo and ranch sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, and 12 oz of uncooked pasta.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, simmering and stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Step 6: Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter buffalo sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or beef meatballs if you prefer fresh over frozen.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs work well. Simply brown them in the pot first until cooked through before proceeding with the sauce and pasta.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level comes mainly from the buffalo sauce and can be adjusted by using more mild or hot versions. The ranch dressing also helps balance the heat for a creamy finish.
PrintBold Buffalo Ranch Meatball Pasta Recipe
Bold Buffalo Ranch Meatball Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting one-pot meal combining tender meatballs, rotini pasta, and a flavorful sauce made from buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a delicious blend of tangy, savory, and cheesy flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the fat and meatballs: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the frozen meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, and add 12 oz of uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta to the pot.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Melt cheese and combine: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta warm, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs saves time — no need to thaw before cooking.
- You can substitute rotini or fusilli with any short pasta shape like penne or cavatappi.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness level.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- Add chopped celery or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
Keywords: Buffalo meatball pasta, creamy buffalo pasta, one pot pasta, buffalo ranch pasta, easy dinner recipe, spicy pasta, meatball dinner
