Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
Craving something spicy, creamy, cheesy, and wildly satisfying? Look no further. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, tangy kick that will win over spice lovers and pasta fanatics alike.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game day party, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks every box:
- ✔️ Protein-packed with shredded chicken
- ✔️ Smothered in a zesty buffalo sauce
- ✔️ Balanced with creamy ranch or blue cheese
- ✔️ Topped with bubbling melted cheese
- ✔️ Easy to prep ahead and freezer-friendly
This isn’t just another pasta bake—it’s your new obsession.
What Is Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake? {#what-is-buffalo-chicken-pasta-bake}
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a baked casserole that merges the bold flavor of buffalo chicken wings with creamy pasta. Typically made with cooked chicken, pasta, buffalo wing sauce, cheese, and a creamy element like ranch dressing or cream cheese, this dish is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s an innovative twist on American comfort food, combining the heat of hot sauce with the warmth of a baked pasta dish.
What sets this recipe apart is its complex layering of flavors—heat, creaminess, tang, and a hint of garlic—giving your taste buds a thrilling ride.
Ingredients You’ll Need {#ingredients-youll-need}
Here’s everything you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
For the Pasta Bake Base:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese, if you prefer)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce
- Crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions {#step-by-step-instructions}
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Avoid overcooking—it’ll continue to bake later.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sour cream
- Softened cream cheese
- Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top evenly with cheddar, mozzarella, and optional blue cheese.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Expert Tips for Perfect Results {#expert-tips-for-perfect-results}
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
- Rotisserie chicken = time saver: Moist, flavorful, and fast.
- Balance the heat: If you’re spice-sensitive, start with ¾ cup buffalo sauce.
- Double it: Make two pans—one for now, one to freeze.
- Add crunch: Top with crushed chips or breadcrumbs before baking.
Customizations & Variations {#customizations–variations}
Make it your own with these flexible ideas:
- Low-carb/keto: Use cooked spaghetti squash or cauliflower instead of pasta.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
- Add-ins: Sautéed bell peppers, bacon bits, or caramelized onions add texture.
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and check dressing/sauce labels for gluten.
- Extra protein: Mix in white beans or add a layer of ricotta.
Serving Suggestions {#serving-suggestions}
This dish is bold and rich—balance it with fresh sides:
- Crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Celery sticks (just like with wings!)
Make-Ahead & Freezing Guide {#make-ahead–freezing-guide
To Make Ahead:
- Assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
To Freeze:
- Prepare, cool, and wrap tightly.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in fridge and bake at 375°F for 30–40 minutes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers {#storing-and-reheating-leftovers}
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute bursts or bake covered at 350°F until heated through.
- Add a splash of milk or ranch when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid {#common-mistakes-to-avoid}
❌ Overcooking pasta – leads to mushy texture
❌ Using cold cream cheese – it won’t mix smoothly
❌ Not greasing the baking dish – causes sticking
❌ Skipping the rest time – flavors meld better with a few minutes of cooling
❌ Using too much buffalo sauce without balancing with creaminess
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) {#nutritional-information-per-serving}
(Approximate – based on 1 of 8 servings)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
FAQs {#faqs}
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but drain it well and shred it for even mixing. Fresh or rotisserie chicken is preferred.
Is it spicy?
Moderately. Use less buffalo sauce or a mild variety if needed.
Can I use Alfredo or another creamy sauce instead of ranch?
Absolutely! Try Alfredo, blue cheese dressing, or even Greek yogurt for tang.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Short, sturdy types like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold sauce best.
Final Thoughts {#final-thoughts}
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. With spicy buffalo sauce, creamy layers, hearty chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect harmony of bold and comforting. Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests—it deserves a regular spot in your recipe rotation.
