This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a tasty mix of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce all baked together with pasta. It’s comfort food at its best!
Who can resist that bubbly, cheesy goodness? I often make extra to share (or just keep for myself!). Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal that’s easy and fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great choice, but you can switch it up with other shapes like rotini, shells, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: For a milder version, use a blend of hot sauce with butter, or choose a store-bought sauce with lower heat. You can even use sriracha or another hot sauce if buffalo sauce isn’t available.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re short on time.
Dressing: Ranch dressing is great, but feel free to swap it for blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute for sour cream if you prefer.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar create a lovely blend, but try Pepper Jack for a zesty kick or a mix of your favorites for customization!
How do I Get the Cheese Topping Just Right?
Getting that perfect cheesy top is key to a great pasta bake! Here’s how to achieve that delicious golden crust:
- Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle some smoked paprika on top before baking for color and a hint of smokiness.
- For extra crispness, pop it under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Let it cool a bit before serving, as this helps the cheese set slightly for easier serving!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for greasing)
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying it in around 40-45 minutes! Perfect for a cozy meal on a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with some olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for a moment.
3. Mix Chicken with Sauce:
In a big mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Mix it up until all the chicken is coated nicely with the sauce—this is where the flavor starts!
4. Add Creaminess:
Now, it’s time to add in the ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing) and sour cream. Stir it all together until everything is evenly combined and super creamy.
5. Combine with Pasta and Cheese:
Add the cooked pasta to the chicken sauce mixture. Toss in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now take your creamy pasta mixture and pour it into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a nice layer.
7. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. This is going to create a delicious cheesy crust when baked!
8. Add Some Flavor:
For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika (or regular paprika) over the cheese layer.
9. Bake It:
Put your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This is important to let it set up a little. Then, before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s warm, and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite of your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake!
This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just for indulging in a cozy night at home. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and mix it in – it saves time and still delivers great flavor!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use cooked veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach instead. You can also substitute with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
Can I Prepare This Bake in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
