Quick Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering buffalo chicken pasta bake that combines spicy, creamy flavors in every delectable bite.

Zesty hot sauce mingles perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to the cheesy, creamy surface.

Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of heat and richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The magic happens when classic buffalo wing flavors transform an ordinary pasta dish into something extraordinary.

This recipe guarantees to become your new go-to meal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Brings the Heat

• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows easy substitutions like cauliflower for pasta or adjusting spice levels, ensuring everyone from kids to spice lovers can enjoy their perfect version.
• Hearty Meal in One Dish: Complete protein-packed dinner combines chicken, cheese, and pasta into a satisfying casserole that eliminates multiple cooking steps and minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Party-Ready Potential: Excellent for potlucks, game day gatherings, and casual family dinners, this dish travels well and delivers big flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Spicy Pasta Bake

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta with perfect ridges for sauce.
• Cauliflower: Low-carb alternative with mild, versatile flavor.

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein perfect for buffalo style.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base for rich sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy white cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy yellow cheese.

• Ranch Dressing, Hot Sauce: Creamy and spicy flavor combo.
• Olive Oil: Light coating to prevent pasta sticking.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor for topping.

Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta the Easy Way

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab an 8-inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and toss in penne pasta.

Cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain and give a light drizzle of olive oil to keep the pasta from clumping together.

If you’re going low-carb, swap pasta with cauliflower by steaming or roasting until tender.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

• Softened cream cheese
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Combine Protein And Pasta

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Prepared pasta or cauliflower

Mix everything until each morsel is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Build The Casserole

Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared dish.

Spread it out evenly for consistent deliciousness in every bite.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Remaining mozzarella
• Shredded cheddar

Cover the casserole with this cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Bake To Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 8: Garnish And Dig In

Pull the casserole from the oven and shower with chopped green onions.

For heat lovers, add an extra drizzle of hot sauce and ranch.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Bubbly, Spicy Casserole

• Drizzle a little olive oil on drained pasta to keep noodles separated and prevent clumping during baking.
• Replace penne with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the delicious buffalo chicken flavor.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity to match your personal heat tolerance, using mild or extra-hot varieties depending on preference.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, keeping frozen for 2-3 months to maintain best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Best Pairings for Buffalo Pasta Bake

• Pair with Zesty Ale: Choose a hoppy IPA or wheat beer to complement the spicy buffalo chicken flavors, cutting through the richness of the creamy pasta.
• Cool Down with Blue Cheese Dip: Prepare a classic blue cheese dip on the side to balance the heat and add a tangy counterpoint to the buffalo sauce.
• Crisp Celery Salad Sidekick: Create a light, crunchy celery salad with a simple vinaigrette to provide fresh contrast against the hearty, cheesy pasta bake.
• Fresh Herb Green Salad Boost: Toss together a quick mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and chives to add brightness and lightness to the meal.

Fun Twists on Spicy Chicken Pasta

• Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake: Replace pasta with roasted cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the classic buffalo chicken flavor profile.
• Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu, jackfruit, or chickpeas, using buffalo-style seasoning to mimic the original spicy taste and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free like ranch dressing and hot sauce to accommodate celiac dietary needs.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Incorporate feta cheese, add roasted red peppers, and use Greek yogurt instead of ranch for a Mediterranean spin on the classic buffalo chicken pasta bake.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce you choose. Use mild hot sauce for less spice or increase the amount for a more intense kick.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or ziti. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt, use whole wheat pasta, and add more vegetables like roasted cauliflower or spinach to boost nutrition.

• What chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken all work perfectly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling buffalo chicken pasta bake delivers a spicy kick that merges classic comfort food with zesty american flavors. Creamy cheese and tender chicken meld perfectly, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (1/2.5-ounce) can chunk chicken breast

Pasta and Dairy:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauces and Garnish:

• 3/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/3 cup hot sauce (such as Franks Red Hot)
• Green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and coating an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook penne pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain and lightly coat with olive oil to maintain separation. For a low-carb alternative, prepare cauliflower by steaming or roasting until soft.
3. Create a luxurious sauce base by whisking cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
4. Incorporate shredded cooked chicken, half the mozzarella cheese, and prepared pasta (or cauliflower) into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough and even mixing.
5. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared casserole dish, distributing it evenly to guarantee consistent flavor throughout.
6. Craft a tantalizing cheese topping by blending remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then generously sprinkle over the casserole surface.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake approximately 20 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese that signals perfect doneness.
8. Once removed from oven, enhance visual appeal and flavor by scattering chopped green onions across the top, with optional additional hot sauce and ranch dressing drizzle for adventurous palates.

Notes

• Swap pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that keeps the creamy, spicy essence intact.
• Control heat intensity by adjusting hot sauce quantity, letting personal spice tolerance guide your buffalo chicken experience.
• Prep chicken ahead by using rotisserie or slow-cooker methods to save time and ensure tender, flavorful meat throughout the dish.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture when reheated.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 100mg