Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you crave a flavorful, cheesy casserole with a kick, the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Packed with tender pasta, juicy shredded chicken, and that irresistible zing of Buffalo sauce, this dish jumps straight from weeknight dinner to party centerpiece. With its golden, bubbly cheese and creamy, spicy tang in every bite, the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is as easy to make as it is to fall for!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a lesson in simple, satisfying ingredients coming together for major flavor payoff. Each component pulls its delicious weight, guaranteeing creamy, spicy, and cheesy perfection in every mouthful.

• Penne Pasta: The sturdy shape holds onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring a bit of everything in every forkful.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken shortcuts make this recipe ultra-speedy, but any cooked chicken works beautifully.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the show! Adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of spice.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Balances the heat with tangy creaminess—choose your favorite for the flavor you love most.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Adds luscious body, turning the sauce irresistibly silky and rich.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons throughout the bake and creates that signature golden crust on top.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For sharp flavor that complements the zesty sauce and creamy base.
• Green Onions (sliced): A fresh, crisp finish to cut through the richness and add a pop of color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for pulling all the bold flavors together.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Bakeware and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease. This little step keeps the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook until just al dente, following package directions—keep in mind, it will bake a bit more in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In an extra-large bowl, combine the Buffalo wing sauce, your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, all the cheddar cheese, plus a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—you want every bite to have that signature Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake flavor.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Chicken Into the Sauce

Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta into your sauce bowl. Gently toss everything together, making sure every piece is coated in cheesy, spicy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Cheese It Up!

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, making sure to get it right up to the edges for lots of bubbly, golden cheese action.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is bubbling and beautifully golden on top. The incredible smell will have everyone circling the kitchen.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter sliced green onions over the top for a zesty finish. Let it rest just a few minutes before serving—those first forkfuls are everything you’re hoping for!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds not just color but a crisp burst of freshness. For an extra kick, a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce or even some crumbled blue cheese takes each helping over the top. If you’re feeling wild, try a swirl of ranch dressing or a handful of diced celery for more crunch.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake begs for classic sides. Crisp green salads balance the spice and richness, while garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every drop of sauce. A plate of raw celery and carrot sticks turns this bake into the ultimate game-day or party feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop individual portions into ramekins for dinner party pizzazz, or try serving the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake family-style in a gorgeous casserole dish straight from the oven. For potlucks, portion it into muffin tins for savory, portable pasta “cups”—total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. The Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a fabulous make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the bake but don’t bake it yet. Wrap the dish tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger amounts in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. For best results, add an extra sprinkle of cheese and a splash of milk to keep everything creamy and inviting.

FAQs

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake?

The heat level depends on your Buffalo wing sauce. Start with the full cup for classic Buffalo flavor, or use a milder sauce if you’re spice-shy. Add extra sauce or a pinch of cayenne for more fire!

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a major time-saver for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Just shred it and toss it in. It absorbs the sauce beautifully and remains super juicy.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, try a generous scoop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for tangy creaminess. Just note the texture may be a bit lighter, but still delicious!

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake makes great leftovers and reheats like a dream. Prepare it early in the week and enjoy satisfying, protein-packed meals for days.

Can I add veggies to this pasta bake?

Yes! Add in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Just stir them into the sauce with the chicken and pasta before baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake to bring everyone to the table with big appetites and bigger smiles. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this one always delivers bold flavor and comforting satisfaction. Don’t wait—try it for yourself and let the gooey, spicy joy begin!

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