Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy casserole that’s perfect for game day or a comforting weeknight dinner. Rich with cheese, tangy ranch, and a kick of hot sauce, it combines classic buffalo flavors with hearty pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 1 – 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup ranch dressing
• ⅓ cup hot sauce
• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and cooked pasta to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions. Add extra hot sauce or ranch dressing if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the hot sauce or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
• Add chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Try using gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta in the casserole dish and refrigerate it without the cheese topping for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese topping just before baking to ensure it melts perfectly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda to add a unique twist to the dish.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

A creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta bake featuring tender penne pasta tossed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. Garnished with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor, this dish is perfect for game day or a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• Olive oil for drizzling

Sauce and Mix-ins

• 1 – 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup ranch dressing
• ⅓ cup hot sauce
• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken

Cheese Topping

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: ½ cup for mix, 1 cup for topping)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

• Blue cheese crumbles
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Make Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the cooked pasta noodles to the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spoon the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Add Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining mozzarella cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this cheese blend evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
7. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with extra ranch dressing or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

• To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety.
• Ensure cream cheese is softened to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
• Olive oil drizzled over pasta keeps noodles from sticking before mixing.
• Feel free to substitute ranch with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken pasta, spicy pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, easy casserole, game day recipes