BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE EASY

Is there anything quite as satisfying as the creamy heat of buffalo chicken combined with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection? Imagine sinking your fork into a dish of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, a symphony of spicy, cheesy, and comforting flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. I promise, this recipe is easier than you think and will become a family favorite in no time!

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Pasta Power

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

Chicken Central

• 1.5 pounds cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)

Sauce Sensations

• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Champion

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Extras

• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
• Crumbled blue cheese, for extra flavor

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pasta Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. We don’t want mushy pasta in our bake!

Step 2: Sauce Sorcery

1. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine the buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Don’t let it burn! Reduce the heat if needed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, buffalo sauce can be salty, so taste before adding more salt.

Step 3: Chicken Charisma

1. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in that delicious buffalo sauce.

Step 4: Pasta Party

1. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.

Step 5: Cheesy Climax

1. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
3. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
4. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy, cheese is our friend!

Step 6: Bake to Bliss

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through.
2. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Garnish & Grub

1. Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and crumbled blue cheese (if desired).
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Spice it Up (or Tone it Down!)

Buffalo wing sauce comes in various heat levels. Feel free to adjust the amount or use a mild, medium, or hot sauce depending on your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or a dollop of sour cream for a cooling effect.

Chicken Alternatives

Don’t have cooked chicken on hand? You can use canned chicken (drained well) or even leftover grilled chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.

Cheese Swaps

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick.

Cream Cheese Conundrums

Forgot to soften the cream cheese? No problem! Cut it into small cubes and it will melt more quickly in the sauce. You can also microwave it for a few seconds (watch it carefully!) to soften it.

Dry Pasta Disaster

If your pasta bake seems dry after baking, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the dish before baking. This will help keep it moist and creamy.

Make it Your Own: Flavor Variations

Veggie Venture

Add some chopped vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. These will also add a nice crunch to the dish.

Bacon Bonanza

Everything’s better with bacon, right? Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the pasta bake for a smoky, savory twist.

Jalapeno Jamboree

If you like it extra spicy, add some chopped jalapenos to the sauce or sprinkle them on top of the pasta bake before baking.

Ranch Revelation

For a twist on the classic buffalo flavor, try using a homemade ranch dressing instead of store-bought. It’s surprisingly easy to make and tastes so much better!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Coleslaw or potato salad

Other Casserole Creations To Explore

If you enjoyed this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, then you’re in for a treat! There are so many other delicious casserole recipes to explore. I highly recommend checking out my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe for a creamy, dreamy Italian-inspired dish. Another great option is Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a crowd. For a fun twist, try my Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese. And of course, if you love buffalo chicken, you might also enjoy my Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese or Buffalo Chicken Flatbread for an appetizer. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with Marry Me Chicken Pasta! So many delicious options for your next dinner!

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts: A Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake to Remember

And there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends! From the creamy, spicy sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta and the bubbly, golden cheese topping, every bite is a flavor explosion. So go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think! I’m confident that this will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines cooked chicken, pasta, buffalo wing sauce, and plenty of cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
• 1.5 pounds cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken works great!
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce adjust to your spice preference
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish optional
• Crumbled blue cheese, for extra flavor optional
• Cooking spray

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine the buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
7. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
10. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
12. Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and crumbled blue cheese (if desired).
14. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Buffalo wing sauce comes in various heat levels, adjust to your spice preference. You can substitute canned chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. If the pasta bake seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Add chopped vegetables like celery or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients. Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. For extra spice, add chopped jalapenos. For a twist, use homemade ranch dressing.