If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, you have to try this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It is a delightful comfort food that combines tender pasta, shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo wing sauce, and melty cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, from the slight kick of heat to the smooth creaminess that coats every noodle. This is a crowd-pleaser that’s just as great for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for feeding friends and family with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for maximum flavor and satisfying texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tender pasta to the spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheeses that unite everything into a harmonious dish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully and have great bite.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Provides hearty protein and absorbs all the buffalo flavors brilliantly.
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show that brings the signature spicy tang.
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds cool creaminess to balance the heat and adds depth.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Ensures an ultra-smooth and rich sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances the dish’s silky texture and adds a mild tanginess.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, melty goodness throughout the bake and on top.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretchiness and a mild flavor contrast.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory note to deepen the flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all other flavors.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds color and a fresh, bright bite when serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain it well and set it aside to keep warm. Use cooked shredded chicken—rotisserie works great for convenience and flavor. This step forms the hearty base for your bake.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that will coat the pasta and chicken perfectly with that famous buffalo zing.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Gently fold the shredded chicken and cooked pasta into your buffalo sauce mixture until all components are evenly coated. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese so it melts throughout the bake, adding layers of cheesy richness right inside the dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese along with mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to build a golden, bubbly crust. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and beautifully browned.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions or fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also brings a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy and spicy pasta bake. It’s a simple touch that makes each serving even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake alongside crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for balance. Classic celery sticks with ranch dip echo the traditional buffalo wing combo and add a cooling crunch that complements the baked pasta’s richness amazingly well.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into individual portions using small oven-safe ramekins or muffin tins. This makes for fun, personal servings with crispy cheese edges around each “cup.” You can also sprinkle extra blue cheese crumbles on top before serving for a tangy, gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days and tastes fantastic reheated for a quick second meal.
Freezing
One of the many great things about this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is that it freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until hot throughout. To keep the cheese topping from drying out, cover loosely with foil during oven reheating. You’ll get almost that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut to cut down on prep time and it infuses the bake with extra flavor, making it perfect for busy nights.
What pasta works best in buffalo chicken pasta bake?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the sauce and cheese well, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor and creamy texture.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder version. The ranch or blue cheese dressing also helps mellow the heat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check your buffalo sauce and dressings to ensure they are gluten-free. This makes a tasty option for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can this pasta bake be made dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe relies heavily on dairy-based cheeses and creams, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and vegan cheese blends, keeping in mind that the flavor profile and texture will adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a true showstopper that blends bold flavors and comforting textures in a way that’s effortless yet memorable. It’s a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want to impress without stress. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and enjoy the magic of this spicy, creamy, cheesy delight with your loved ones!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combining tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a tangy buffalo sauce blend, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a comforting and flavorful main course perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and fully blended for a creamy sauce base.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Fold the shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce mixture. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to distribute cheesy flavor evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese along with the mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture for a golden, melty crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese topping is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less buffalo wing sauce according to your heat preference.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add convenience.
- This bake freezes well; you can assemble it ahead and freeze before baking for a future meal.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta.
