This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for spice lovers! With tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and loads of melted cheese, it’s the perfect dinner to satisfy all your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of buffalo wings or pasta, this dish brings the best of both worlds in a hearty and cheesy casserole form.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta – Choose your favorite pasta shape! Penne and rotini both work great for holding onto that creamy buffalo sauce.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce – A tangy, spicy sauce like Frank’s RedHot is perfect for this recipe. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing – Ranch gives a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, while blue cheese will add a sharp and bold flavor. Use whichever you prefer!
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – This adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For that extra savory depth.
- ½ tsp onion powder – Adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – This brings a subtle smoky flavor to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella gives that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a tangy sharpness that complements the buffalo flavor.
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) – If you’re a fan of blue cheese, it adds an extra punch of flavor. You can skip it if you’re not a fan.
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish) – These add a fresh, crunchy touch as a garnish.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the sauce, and mix until everything is well combined. This mixture will be creamy with just the right amount of kick from the buffalo sauce.
3. Mix It All Together:
- Add the cooked shredded chicken and drained pasta to the buffalo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.
4. Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Transfer the buffalo chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese (if using) on top of the pasta. The cheeses will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping as it bakes.
5. Bake the Pasta:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!
Additional Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder version of the sauce. For more heat, add a bit of cayenne pepper or extra buffalo sauce to kick it up a notch.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, you can add heavy cream or more cream cheese to the sauce.
- Add Veggies: You can stir in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combines all the flavors of a buffalo chicken wing with the comfort of pasta and cheese. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy. Perfect for a weeknight meal, game day, or whenever you need something indulgent and satisfying. The whole family will love it!