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A close-up shot showcases a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, featuring golden-brown pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy buffalo sauce.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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

  • 9x13 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 9x13 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.