Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake with cheese and chicken in a baking dish

Why Make This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious dish that combines the spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken with creamy pasta. It’s a perfect comfort food that is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want a cozy dinner, this recipe satisfies both hungry bellies and taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients

2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta (or substitute cooked cauliflower for a low-carb option)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¾ cup ranch dressing
⅓ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1 (12.5-ounce) can chunk chicken breast)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Green onions, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. If using cooked cauliflower as a substitute, steam or roast it until tender.
Make the sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
Mix in chicken and pasta: Add the shredded cooked chicken, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the cooked pasta (or cauliflower) to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the casserole: Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with cheese: Combine the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. For extra flavor, drizzle with more hot sauce and ranch dressing, if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake hot from the oven. Place it on the table with extra hot sauce and ranch dressing on the side for guests to add if they like. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can be kept for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

For a creamier texture, you can add a bit of milk to the sauce mixture.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference.
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and nutrition.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, use canned chickpeas or cooked lentils instead of chicken, and keep the rest of the recipe the same. You can also experiment with different cheeses or pasta shapes based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or include diced jalapeños in the mixture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!