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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and coating an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Create a luxurious sauce base by whisking cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate shredded cooked chicken, half the mozzarella cheese, and prepared pasta (or cauliflower) into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough and even mixing.
- Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared casserole dish, distributing it evenly to guarantee consistent flavor throughout.
- Craft a tantalizing cheese topping by blending remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then generously sprinkle over the casserole surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake approximately 20 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese that signals perfect doneness.
- 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