Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Print)

Spicy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken, buffalo sauce, and creamy dressing. Comfort food for any gathering.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

→ Sauce

03 - 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
04 - 1 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
05 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

→ Cheese

06 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Vegetables (optional)

08 - 1/2 cup diced celery
09 - 1/2 cup diced red onion

→ Toppings

10 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
11 - Blue cheese crumbles, optional

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
02 - Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain with a colander and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and softened cream cheese until mixture is smooth and uniform.
04 - Stir cooked pasta into the sauce mixture. Fold in diced celery and diced red onion if using, ensuring even coating.
05 - Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
06 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
07 - Place dish in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges bubble.
08 - Carefully remove from oven. Allow to cool for several minutes. Top with sliced green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles.
09 - Plate portions and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy, spicy sauce sticks to every noodle like it's hiding a chef's secret.
  • It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on game nights, and reheats beautifully for tomorrow's lunch.
02 -
  • Overcooked pasta turns mushy after baking—I learned the hard way and never looked back.
  • Mixing the cream cheese while it’s still cold will leave clumps, so always let it soften first for a smooth sauce.
03 -
  • Let your cream cheese sit out while you prepare other ingredients for seamless blending.
  • An extra handful of cheese right before broiling gives those irresistible golden patches.
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