If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and full of flavor, Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the dish for you. It combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and plenty of gooey cheese — all baked into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. It’s the best of both worlds: the spice of your favorite buffalo wings meets the comforting heartiness of pasta. I once made this using rotisserie chicken and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, and it turned out absolutely divine — creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. This pasta bake is perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you want to spice things up a little.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake delivers everything you love about buffalo wings in a comforting, cheesy casserole form. It’s rich, spicy, and wonderfully creamy, with layers of flavor in every bite. The buffalo sauce adds tang and heat, the chicken keeps it hearty, and the cheese pulls it all together into pure comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at any gathering.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: A Spicy, Cheesy Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a spicy, cheesy comfort food favorite that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole for game day, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and sprinkle crumbled blue cheese if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
- Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with extra buffalo or ranch sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount depending on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken – Shredded or cubed; rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
Pasta – Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and bake beautifully.
Buffalo sauce – The star of the dish, giving it that signature tangy heat.
Cream cheese – Creates a rich, creamy base that balances the spice.
Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing – Adds coolness and extra flavor depth to the sauce.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for a sharp, cheesy flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – Adds stretchiness and a perfect golden top when baked.
Butter – Enhances the buffalo sauce’s richness.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Add savory warmth and depth to the dish.
Green onions – Provide a fresh pop of color and flavor for garnish.
Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings to balance the flavors.
Parsley (optional) – For a touch of freshness before serving.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, whisking until combined into a creamy, spicy sauce.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well until melted.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people generously.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for individual servings. To keep it creamy, add a splash of milk before reheating. You can also freeze the baked pasta for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Buffalo Bake
Add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery version.
Ranch Lover’s Delight
Use extra ranch dressing or drizzle more over the top before serving.
Blue Cheese Upgrade
Crumble blue cheese into the sauce for a tangier, authentic buffalo wing flavor.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Bacon Buffalo Pasta
Top with crispy bacon bits for an irresistible smoky crunch.
Lightened-Up Option
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a healthier, tangy base.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.
Cheesy Overload
Mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for even more gooey goodness.
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Swap bowties or rotini for elbow macaroni for a creamy mac-and-cheese-style bake.
BBQ Buffalo Twist
Add a small drizzle of barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s an excellent time-saver and adds great flavor.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
3. How spicy is this dish?
It has medium heat, but you can adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your liking.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
5. Can I use blue cheese instead of ranch?
Absolutely — it adds a stronger, tangier flavor.
6. What sides go well with this?
Try a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or celery sticks with ranch dressing.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
8. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra splash of cream or milk to the sauce before baking.
9. Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
10. Can I add vegetables?
Yes — spinach, mushrooms, or corn all work well and add great texture.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for spice lovers — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold buffalo flavor. It’s everything you love about buffalo wings transformed into a satisfying, hearty pasta dish. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party, or game day, this crowd-pleasing bake is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy, flavorful, and delivers that perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy indulgence every single time.
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