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Bold Buffalo Ranch Meatball Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Melt cheese and combine: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/bold-buffalo-ranch-meatball-pasta-recipe/