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Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and savory one-pot meal combining tender chicken, pasta, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2–3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 oz cream cheese (preferably thick-cut)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)
  • 2–3 green onions, chopped

Optional Ingredients

  • Optional veggies: 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers or celery
  • Additional herbs for garnish: cilantro or parsley
  • Extra 1/2 cup water or broth (to cook pasta)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and chicken broth over the chicken to create the creamy, spicy base.
  2. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred, absorbing all the flavors.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred finely using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
  4. Add the Pasta: Mix in the uncooked pasta along with about 1/2 cup of water or broth to provide enough liquid for the pasta to cook evenly.
  5. Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Continue cooking on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Greens: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and stir in chopped green onions and any optional veggies. Let the cheese melt fully until gooey before serving.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut cream cheese to ensure smooth melting without clumps.
  • Add pasta later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking and mushy noodles.
  • Stir well before serving for even distribution of sauce, cheese, and chicken.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to modify spice level; start with less and increase after tasting.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness and contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, buffalo chicken, ranch, pasta, creamy, spicy, one-pot meal, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/slow-cooker-buffalo-ranch-chicken-pasta/