Pin This hearty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that perfectly balances spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese. The combination creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your home kitchen without breaking the bank.
I first made this dish during a football Sunday gathering at my home, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Since then, it's become my go-to recipe whenever I need to feed a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Penne or rotini pasta: provides the perfect shape for catching all that creamy buffalo sauce in every bite. Look for pasta with ridges for the best sauce adherence.
- Cooked chicken breast: adds lean protein and substance. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker.
- Buffalo wing sauce: delivers that signature tangy heat that makes this dish special. Frank's RedHot works wonderfully but any quality brand will do.
- Cream cheese: creates the rich, velvety texture that balances the spiciness. Always use full-fat for the creamiest results.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: adds complexity and cools the heat. Choose according to your preference for traditional buffalo flavor combinations.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: form a gooey, stretchy topping that browns beautifully. Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Green onions: provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast. Look for bright, firm stalks at the store.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: infuse depth without overpowering. Always check freshness as these lose potency over time.
- Black pepper: adds a subtle warmth that complements the other flavors. Freshly ground offers the best flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking. While that's happening, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add about a tablespoon of salt. Cook your pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate for al dente pasta. This undercooking is intentional as the pasta will continue to absorb moisture during baking. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Create the Buffalo Cream Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your buffalo sauce and softened cream cheese. The cream cheese must be properly softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Use a whisk to create a smooth consistency, then add your ranch or blue cheese dressing along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This sauce should have a vibrant orange color and silky texture when properly mixed.
- Combine Components:
- Add your cooked chicken to the buffalo cream sauce first, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Then fold in the drained pasta and sliced green onions, gently mixing until every pasta piece is covered with sauce. Take care not to break the pasta during mixing. The mixture should look glossy and well-combined with an even distribution of chicken throughout.
- Assemble and Top:
- Transfer the entire mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly across the top, creating a complete blanket of cheese that will melt into a golden crust. For the best melting results, take time to distribute the cheese all the way to the edges of the dish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place your assembled dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for exactly 20 minutes, or until you see the cheese has completely melted and started to bubble around the edges with slight browning on top. This browning indicates the flavors have melded perfectly and creates delicious cheesy texture contrasts.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the sauce to set slightly, making serving easier. Sprinkle additional sliced green onions over the top just before bringing to the table for a fresh flavor boost and visual appeal.
Pin The buffalo sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that warming the sauce slightly before mixing it with cream cheese creates an even smoother texture and more integrated flavor. My family particularly loves when I add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce on individual portions right before serving for those who enjoy more heat.
Make-Ahead Options
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake shines as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors actually develop and improve when allowed to meld overnight, making this perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
While this pasta bake stands perfectly well on its own, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy pasta. Traditional buffalo wing accompaniments like celery and carrot sticks with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing make excellent sides that echo the buffalo wing experience. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or a crusty baguette helps soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes customization based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light ranch dressing. Turkey can easily replace chicken for a different flavor profile. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully for those with wheat sensitivities. Dairy-free versions can be created using plant-based cream cheese alternatives and vegan cheese shreds, though the texture will be slightly different. For a vegetarian adaptation, replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets or chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce.
Heat Level Adjustments
One of the beauties of this recipe is how easily you can tailor the spiciness to your preference. For a milder version that kids and heat-sensitive adults will enjoy, use mild buffalo sauce and increase the amount of cream cheese slightly. Medium heat works well for most households, using regular buffalo sauce as written. For heat enthusiasts, choose extra-spicy buffalo sauce, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture, or stir in diced jalapeños with the green onions. Remember that the dairy components help temper the heat, so adjustments should be made accordingly.
Pin This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne or rotini are ideal for holding the sauce, but ziti or fusilli also work well.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken saves time and absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- → Is the dish very spicy?
The heat level is moderate. Use less buffalo sauce or extra cream cheese for a milder taste.
- → What’s a good topping or garnish?
Sliced green onions add freshness. A sprinkle of blue cheese delivers extra tang.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until hot.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Serve with a light side salad or crisp celery sticks to balance the richness.