Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of dish that instantly turns any weekday into a celebration. Creamy, cheesy, and studded with tender chicken and a punchy buffalo sauce, this hearty bake is beloved for its mix of comforting flavors and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving a crowd, feeding a hungry family, or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta bake makes sure everyone at the table is raving and reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of ingredients, each one does some serious heavy lifting for the final result. From tender pasta to the zing of buffalo sauce, every element in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake works together to create a cozy, craveable dish that never fails to impress.
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Both shapes grab onto the creamy sauce so every bite is full of flavor.
- Cooked and shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here — it’s a quick way to get juicy, tender pieces throughout your bake.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté of onion and garlic in olive oil gives the base a subtle richness.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth that balances the heat of the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Because a touch of garlic brings unmistakable savoriness to the whole casserole.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): The star player delivers that iconic tangy heat.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and a mild tang.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Adds cooling creaminess and classic Buffalo flavor; pick your favorite for a custom twist.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Melty, stretchy, and essential for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Brings a sharp bite that stands up to the bold sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season just enough to balance all the bold flavors already making magic here.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh finish if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Essentials
Before you dive into the deliciousness, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick coat of oil or nonstick spray. There’s nothing worse than cheesy pasta sticking to the edges! While the oven heats, cook your pasta just until al dente — it will soak up all the sauce as it bakes. Drain, set it aside, and keep that momentum going.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In your favorite large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium and toss in the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and starting to turn translucent. Add in the minced garlic, stirring for just a minute more until fragrant. These little steps bring a gentle savory sweetness that builds major flavor for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and drop in your softened cream cheese. Whisk these together until they form a luscious, smooth pink sauce. Stir in the ranch or blue cheese dressing, and watch the mixture transform into a creamy, perfectly balanced base that’s equal parts tangy, spicy, and rich.
Step 4: Mix In the Chicken
Now, add the shredded chicken right into that bubbling buffalo sauce. Stir and let everything warm through for about 2-3 minutes so the chicken gets fully coated and those flavors start mingling. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken keeps things easy and extra flavorful.
Step 5: Toss With Pasta
Dump your cooked pasta right into the skillet. Toss, toss, toss until every nook and cranny of the pasta is slick with creamy, spicy sauce, and every piece of chicken is snuggled in. At this point, you’ll be tempted to sample everything straight from the pot. Hold strong — the bake is worth the wait!
Step 6: Assemble and Top With Cheese
Spoon your saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, followed by the cheddar. The combo of gooey and sharp cheeses makes this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake outrageously good.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden top and melted cheese that invites you to dive right in. Once it’s done, let it cool for just a couple minutes — though the aroma will make waiting feel impossible.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or parsley wakes up the creamy, spicy flavors with a flash of color and freshness. If you love extra heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of additional buffalo sauce makes each serving uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
This hearty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake pairs perfectly with something cool and crisp. Try serving it alongside a simple green salad (ranch or blue cheese dressing ties it all together) or classic celery and carrot sticks for a playful Buffalo wing experience on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it party-friendly by scooping the pasta into ramekins for individual portions, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for that irresistible, bubbling effect. For lunchboxes or meal prepping, portion it into containers and sprinkle cheese and fresh herbs on top just before reheating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake stores like a dream! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrow’s lunch possibly even better than tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
For future cravings, freeze portions in single-serving containers or wrap the whole (cooled) baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll stay tasty for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you need an easy, comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of extra buffalo sauce or a drizzle of ranch to keep things creamy. If you’re reheating a larger amount, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout. That gooey cheese topping will revive like magic every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra spice, or even a little provolone if you’d like a stretchier, milder flavor. Mix and match to make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake your own.
Is it okay to assemble Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it off just before serving — you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s starting from cold.
Can I make it vegetarian?
For a meat-free twist, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or a favorite meat substitute. The rich, spicy, and creamy elements in the Buffalo sauce still come through deliciously.
How can I make it even spicier?
If you’re a true heat seeker, go ahead and add extra hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños to the sauce. Taste as you go so things don’t get too fiery.
Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini. Cook the pasta until just al dente, as gluten-free noodles can soften more quickly during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a deliciously craveable, crowd-pleasing dinner, give Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake a try. It’s a spicy, cheesy weeknight winner that shows how easy it is to get serious flavor from simple ingredients. Grab a fork, call your favorite people, and dig in — you might just find your new signature dish!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the spicy and cheesy goodness of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with flavorful buffalo chicken, creamy cheeses, and a hint of tangy dressing. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
Cheese Topping:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in buffalo sauce and cream cheese until smooth. Add the dressing and blend. Add the shredded chicken and cook until warmed through.
- Combine ingredients: Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Add cheese: Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra heat, stir in crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or celery sticks on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
