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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, thoroughly coating the chicken with spicy and creamy flavors.
- 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.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly distributed and coated with the spicy mixture.
- Pour the cream-based sauce over the pasta and chicken, gently stirring to create a cohesive and creamy consistency.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a rich and melty cheese layer.
- Dot the surface with butter pieces to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling with a golden-brown surface.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- 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