Description
This 30-Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese, baked with penne pasta for a gooey, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Bake
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (balances out the spice)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking of the pasta bake.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until well combined into a creamy mixture.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture and stir until all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo chicken sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly across the dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a gooey, golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Mix cheeses for varied flavor; pepper jack can be substituted for extra kick.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Allow to rest before serving to let the bake set and enhance flavor blending.
- Consider adding crumbled blue cheese or extra spices to the top before baking for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken pasta bake, creamy buffalo chicken, quick pasta bake, dinner recipe, baked pasta, spicy chicken pasta
