Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, tangy, and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Combining tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 12 ounce penne pasta
• 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoon sliced green onions
• Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
6. Step 6: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese.
7. Step 7: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional blue cheese. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
• Substitute cooked shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a different protein option.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this dish gluten-free.
• To keep the dish extra creamy, mix in a splash of milk or chicken broth before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent dryness, cover with foil while reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar provide great melt and flavor, feel free to use pepper jack for some heat or gouda for a smoky touch. Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add a classic buffalo flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful casserole that combines tender penne pasta with shredded chicken enveloped in a rich buffalo cream cheese sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and garnished with fresh green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles, it’s a comforting dish perfect for game day or a cozy dinner.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Chicken

• 12 ounce penne pasta
• 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Sauce

• 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses & Garnish

• 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoon sliced green onions
• Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
4. Season Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture and stir well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the buffalo cream sauce.
6. Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly, with golden edges.
8. Garnish & Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and optionally blue cheese crumbles. Serve hot for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• For extra heat, add additional buffalo sauce to the mixture before baking.
• You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
• Blue cheese crumbles can be omitted or substituted with extra cheddar if preferred.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Make sure to drain pasta well to avoid a watery bake.

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta casserole, buffalo wing pasta, baked pasta dish, chicken pasta bake