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
Scale
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.
