Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Print)

Spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, cheese, and pasta blend for an easy weeknight baked comfort dish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Sauce and Dairy

03 - 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
04 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Vegetables and Seasoning

08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and sliced green onions to the sauce mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top.
06 - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from the oven, garnish with the extra sliced green onions, and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
  • Budget-friendly at under $12 for the entire dish
  • Perfect balance of creamy cheese and spicy buffalo sauce
  • Great for meal prep as leftovers reheat beautifully
  • Customizable heat level to suit your taste preferences
02 -
  • High in protein with approximately 28g per serving
  • Perfect for meal prepping as flavors improve overnight
  • Easily doubled for larger gatherings or freezing
  • Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking
  • Versatile recipe that works with different pasta shapes
03 -
  • Always slightly undercook your pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven
  • Let cream cheese come fully to room temperature for the smoothest sauce
  • Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting
  • For maximum flavor, season your pasta water generously with salt
  • Allow the baked dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce

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