Day 2 Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake

Yes, this is a repeat recipe from my 30 day Eat at Home Challenge, but I've said it before and I'll say it again it is a family favorite and is always very well received.

photo from previous prep, tonight did not have the green onion on top

I originally found this recipe on facebook which lead me here https://insidebrucrewlife.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta-bake/  I have adapted the original recipe to suit my challenge.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Serves 6

Combining buffalo chicken, cheese, and pasta in one casserole creates a meal that everyone will love. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is delicious and can be on the table in 30 minutes.

PREP TIME10 minutes
COOK TIME20 minutes
TOTAL TIME30 minutes

Ingredients
8 ounces - 2 cups uncooked, penne pasta 1.40 (you'll have half the box leftover for next time)
1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened 2.95 (definitely cheaper at a super market)
3/4 cup ranch dressing 1.25
1/3 cup hot sauce 1.00
1 10oz can chicken 2.00 (when not budgeting I prefer to use two cans, a twin pack is 3.75)
2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese 2.85

Serve with

Canned Peas or Green Beans .50

Dinner total 11.95

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

Spray a 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the pasta noodles, according to the package directions.
Stir together the cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce until creamy.
Add the chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, and cooked pasta noodles to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. 

Spoon into the prepared dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the pasta. 

Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted.
Remove and serve immediately with hot sauce, and ranch drizzles.