Savory Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Zesty Comfort Food

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake combines spicy, comforting flavors that dance across your palate with irresistible zest.

Hearty noodles mingle with tender chicken pieces draped in tangy sauce.

Cheese melts into every delicious crevice, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Savory notes of hot sauce complement the rich, velvety backdrop of this classic comfort dish.

Weeknight dinners need serious excitement, and this recipe delivers unexpected culinary magic.

Casual gatherings demand something special that makes people lean in and ask for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing sensation that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Savor Spicy Comfort: Dive into a hearty buffalo chicken pasta that brings bold, zesty flavors to your dinner table with a creamy twist.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping cheeses, or adding extra toppings to suit individual taste preferences.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: This crowd-pleasing dish works brilliantly for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously satisfying.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe a go-to solution for busy families seeking a flavorful meal without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Penne Pasta: A tubular pasta that provides perfect sauce-holding capability and texture in this creamy buffalo chicken dish.

• Shredded Chicken: The main protein that carries the bold buffalo sauce and adds substantial flavor to the casserole.

• Buffalo Sauce, Ranch Dressing: A spicy and creamy combination that coats the chicken with tangy and rich flavor profiles.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, luxurious base sauce that binds the entire casserole together.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall depth and taste of the dish.

• Blue Cheese Crumbles, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a rich, melty cheese layer with distinct tangy and creamy characteristics.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden-brown surface during baking.

• Green Onions: Fresh chopped herbs that add a bright, crisp finish to the completed casserole.

Step-By-Step Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water in a large pot. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing

Toss until the chicken is completely coated with spicy and creamy flavors.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the sauce is smooth and well-integrated.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture. Ensure each pasta piece is evenly distributed and coated with the spicy mixture.

Step 6: Add Creamy Sauce

Pour the cream-based sauce over the pasta and chicken. Gently stir to create a cohesive and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the entire mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

• Blue cheese crumbles
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Create a rich and melty cheese layer.

Step 9: Add Butter Dots

Dot the surface with small pieces of butter to enhance richness and promote golden browning.

Step 10: Bake the Dish

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling with a golden-brown surface.

Step 11: Rest the Dish

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, crisp finish. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness.

Tips That Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Better

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain perfect bite and prevent mushiness in the final dish.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cream sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, consistent blending without lumps.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on personal heat preference, allowing for mild to extra-hot variations.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Shred cheese fresh for maximum melting potential and more even coverage across the casserole surface.
• Chicken Flavor Enhancement: Use rotisserie chicken for deeper, more developed flavor and easier shredding technique.

Tasty Twists on Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Replace penne pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the spicy buffalo chicken flavor profile.
• Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like jackfruit or tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure buffalo sauce is gluten-free, substituting regular flour-based ingredients with cornstarch or alternative thickeners.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and reduce cheese quantity for a healthier, lower-calorie alternative that still delivers robust buffalo chicken taste.

What to Pair with Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Cold Brew Beer: Crisp, hoppy craft beers like IPA or pale ales perfectly cut through the spicy, creamy dish, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool, acidic contrast to the rich, spicy pasta, balancing the meal's intense flavors and adding textural variety.
• Cool Down with Blue Cheese Dressing Drizzle: Extra blue cheese dressing on the side allows diners to customize heat levels and enhances the buffalo chicken's signature flavor profile.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Light mixed greens with a citrusy vinaigrette offer a fresh, bright counterpoint to the heavy, creamy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.

Storage Tips for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn by using proper sealing techniques.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

Answers to Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Questions

• Is buffalo chicken pasta spicy?

Yes, the buffalo sauce provides a signature heat that can be mild to medium-hot. You can control the spice level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce or adjusting the quantity used.

• Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or ziti. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce and chicken mixture well.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming dry?

The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, heavy cream, and chicken broth ensures a creamy, moist result. Stirring ingredients thoroughly and not overcooking helps maintain moisture.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken pasta bake delivers fiery comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfectly balanced heat and rich flavors invite hungry diners to savor this irresistible meal that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Pasta and Base:

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Spices and Additions:

• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, thoroughly coating the chicken with spicy and creamy flavors.
4. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly distributed and coated with the spicy mixture.
6. Pour the cream-based sauce over the pasta and chicken, gently stirring to create a cohesive and creamy consistency.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a rich and melty cheese layer.
9. Dot the surface with butter pieces to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling with a golden-brown surface.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a bright, crisp finish before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap buffalo sauce for milder hot sauce if you prefer less heat, allowing those with sensitive palates to enjoy the dish.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta and checking buffalo sauce ingredients for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Prep chicken in advance by using rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken to cut down on total cooking time and simplify the recipe.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to customize the flavor and create unique taste variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg