Sizzling Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Spicy Comfort

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake delivers a spicy punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Comfort food meets zesty flavor in this mouthwatering dish.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create an irresistible combination of textures.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Pasta lovers and spice enthusiasts will absolutely adore this simple yet bold meal.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and creamy goodness.

Jump into this culinary adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Reasons To Love Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: A zesty buffalo chicken pasta bake that transforms classic flavors into a crowd-pleasing dinner sensation.
• Tackle Meal Prep with Ease: One-pan dish that simplifies cooking process, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor potential.
• Customize for Every Palate: Flexible recipe allowing adjustments in spice levels, cheese choices, and protein preferences to suit individual tastes.
• Score Family Dinner Win: Combines kid-friendly pasta with bold buffalo chicken, creating a meal that satisfies both adventurous and picky eaters.

What Goes Into Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat provides substantial protein and serves as the main flavor carrier for the buffalo sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that captures sauce and provides hearty texture.

• Buffalo Hot Sauce: Delivers signature spicy and tangy flavor to the chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds creamy, herbal undertones to balance the hot sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a classic, sharp flavor.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Introduces a bold, tangy flavor profile to complement the buffalo sauce.

• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and mild onion flavor.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture to the top of the casserole.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy breadcrumb layer.

Easy Guide For Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with generous grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically taking 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into neat, bite-sized cubes. Season thoroughly with salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Add chicken cubes to the skillet, cooking until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Add Buffalo Sauce

Pour buffalo hot sauce into the skillet, completely coating the chicken pieces. Let them simmer and soak up the spicy goodness for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Ranch dressing

Blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Gently fold the cooked pasta and saucy chicken into the cream mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the pasta and chicken blend evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 10: Add Cheese Layers

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Blue cheese crumbles

across the top of the pasta.

Step 11: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping

Melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs. Scatter this buttery crumb mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Look for melted cheese and golden-brown breadcrumbs.

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving up this delicious creation.

Tips To Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Better

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Manage Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control heat intensity, using mild or hot sauce based on preference.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook penne al dente to prevent mushy casserole, ensuring pasta maintains slight firmness when baked.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Breadcrumb Browning Technique: Toast breadcrumbs briefly before adding butter to enhance crunchiness and golden color.

Different Styles Of Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Buffalo Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower florets, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Buffalo Comfort Casserole: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Buffalo Pasta: Substitute blue cheese with crumbled feta, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reduce breadcrumb quantity, and use a lighter cream alternative.

Perfect Matches For Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Buttery white wine balances the spicy buffalo chicken with smooth, cool undertones that complement the creamy pasta's richness.
• Serve Craft Wheat Beer: Light, refreshing beer with subtle hoppy notes cuts through the dish's heavy cheese and buffalo sauce, providing a palate-cleansing effect.
• Match Zesty Pinot Grigio: Crisp, acidic white wine helps neutralize the spiciness while enhancing the buffalo chicken's tangy flavor profile.
• Recommend Blue Moon Belgian Wheat Beer: Citrusy, smooth beer softens the dish's heat and matches perfectly with the creamy texture of the pasta casserole.

Best Way To Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled buffalo chicken pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Questions People Ask

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of buffalo hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce to control the heat level. You can also add a bit more ranch dressing to cool down the spiciness.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, opt for whole wheat pasta, and choose lean chicken breast. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• What if I don't have blue cheese?

No problem! Substitute blue cheese with additional cheddar, monterey jack, or crumbled feta cheese. The goal is to maintain a creamy, tangy flavor profile.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake delivers spicy comfort in one hearty dish. Cheesy noodles mixed with zesty buffalo sauce and tender chicken create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

Pasta and Base:

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup green onions
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Dice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, seasoning thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add chicken cubes to the skillet, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
6. Pour buffalo hot sauce into the skillet, coating the chicken pieces completely and allowing them to simmer for 2 minutes.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch dressing, whisking until smooth and well-incorporated.
8. Add cooked pasta and saucy chicken to the cream mixture, stirring gently to ensure even distribution.
9. Transfer the pasta and chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and blue cheese crumbles across the top of the pasta.
11. Melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs, then scatter the buttery crumb mixture over the cheese layer.
12. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the dish.
• Lower the heat intensity by selecting mild buffalo sauce for those with sensitive palates.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
• Let the dish rest fully before serving to allow cheese and sauce to set, ensuring better portion integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg