Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta: A Spicy, Cheesy Comfort Food Delight

Take everything you love about buffalo chicken—spicy, creamy, tangy flavors—and combine it with pasta and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food: Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This dish is perfect for game day, potlucks, or a cozy dinner that will satisfy your cravings for something hearty, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy.

With shredded chicken, al dente pasta, bold buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and a melty blanket of mozzarella and cheddar, this casserole-style dish is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients for Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering pasta dish:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or boiled and shredded chicken for convenience.
• 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni) – These pasta shapes are perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup buffalo sauce – For that signature tangy heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Balances the spice of the buffalo sauce and adds creamy richness.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the pasta for a gooey, cheesy texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
• 2 green onions, chopped – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create this cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken pasta bake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the 1 pound of pasta (penne or rigatoni) according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.
2. Stir until the chicken is fully coated in the spicy, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta to the buffalo chicken mixture and stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This ensures the pasta is cheesy all the way through.

Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish

1. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, spicy, creamy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and you’re good to go.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta until al dente ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
• Make It Creamier: For an even creamier dish, mix in 4 ounces of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream into the buffalo chicken mixture.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese topping before baking for added texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful: Tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing create a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors.
• Cheesy Goodness: The combination of mozzarella and cheddar guarantees a gooey, melty dish that cheese lovers will adore.
• Hearty and Filling: With pasta, chicken, and cheese, this dish is a complete and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or game-day gatherings, this casserole-style dish is easy to serve and sure to impress.

Variations and Customizations

Make It Healthier

• Use whole wheat pasta or a high-protein pasta alternative like chickpea or lentil pasta.
• Substitute Greek yogurt ranch dressing for a lighter option.
• Add vegetables like steamed broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Go Gluten-Free

• Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
• Ensure the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free.

Add More Toppings

• Crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.
• Diced celery for a crunchy, refreshing topping.
• A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing just before serving.

Try a Creamier Sauce

• Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream to make the sauce extra rich and velvety.

Make It a One-Dish Meal

• Add a layer of veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini to make it a more complete meal.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This dish is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with simple sides for a well-rounded dinner:

• Salad: A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the bold flavors of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for added color and nutrients.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.

2. Can I freeze baked buffalo chicken pasta?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

3. What other types of pasta can I use?

You can use any short pasta like rotini, shells, fusilli, or cavatappi. These shapes hold the sauce well and work beautifully in this recipe.

4. Can I use blue cheese instead of ranch?

Absolutely! Blue cheese dressing is a classic pairing with buffalo sauce and works wonderfully in this dish.

5. How do I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder variety. You can also increase the ranch dressing to tone down the spice.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the shredded chicken with a plant-based alternative like cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. You can also use a vegan buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a fully vegan version.

8. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, if you have leftover pasta, simply toss it with the buffalo chicken mixture and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Conclusion

This Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta goodness. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a regular on your recipe rotation. Top it off with green onions for a fresh finish, and watch it disappear in no time!

Print