This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a fun mix of pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and creamy cheese that’s all baked together. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate!
I love how it brings the flavors of buffalo wings into a comforting casserole. It’s so easy to make—you just toss everything together and let the oven do the work. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for this recipe because those little tubes catch the sauce perfectly. If you don’t have penne, feel free to use rigatoni, shell pasta, or even rotini!
Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought buffalo sauce is super convenient! However, you can make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. Adjust the heat level to your liking—go for mild or extra spicy!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives this dish its creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan cream cheese as a substitute. It works well to achieve a similar texture.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning or use a homemade ranch mix for more control over ingredients.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella provide that gooey, melty texture. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, just skip it or replace it with feta for a different flavor!
How Do You Make Sure the Cheese is Perfectly Melted?
Getting the cheese just right can be key to a great Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. You want it melted and bubbly but not overcooked. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven fully before baking, so the cheese melts evenly.
- Keep an eye on the bake time—20-25 minutes usually does the trick, but check for bubbly and slightly golden cheese.
- If you prefer a crispy top, consider broiling for the last few minutes. Just keep it monitored to prevent burning!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to scoop!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook. So, you can have a tasty meal ready in about 40-45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain it well and set it aside to cool a bit.
3. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated in that delicious spicy sauce. This is what adds the kick to our bake!
4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture will balance out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, take the cream cheese mixture and add it to the bowl with the chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix it well until everything is combined and coated with that yummy sauce.
6. Add the Pasta:
Gently stir in the cooked pasta, making sure every piece is coated in the buffalo chicken mixture. This is where all the flavors come together!
7. Bake it Up:
Transfer the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. If you like blue cheese, toss some crumbles on as well.
8. Add Some Flavor:
Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top for a little extra color and flavor. This step adds a nice touch!
9. Time to Bake:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly with some light browning on top.
10. Final Touches:
Once it’s ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and a pop of color.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot and get ready for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves you time. Just shred or dice it and mix it in with the buffalo sauce!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, try using blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor or a homemade ranch mix using Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning for a healthier twist.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
How Do I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you’re looking to tone down the spice, use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in some cream to balance out the heat. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and enhance the cream cheese and ranch flavor instead!
