Description

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and comforting casserole that combines the bold flavors of buffalo wings with melty cheese and tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day, it’s hearty, easy to make, and guaranteed to please any crowd.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)

1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce)

1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine ingredients: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Stir in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Assemble the bake: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese (if using).
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.

For a milder version, mix buffalo sauce with extra ranch or use a mild buffalo variety.

To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to a day before baking—add 5–10 minutes to bake time.

Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 520
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 990mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg