Okay, friend, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not only outrageously delicious, but also delicious. What’s a weeknight lifesaver? Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Think mac and cheese, but grown up, kicked up a notch, and ready to party! What’s like when your favorite buffalo wings and a creamy pasta dish had their baby, and that baby is pure goodness? What is comfort food gold? My Grandma’s lasagna is a family favorite. This one is that good. What is the easiest way to get a job?
What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake?
What’s not to like about Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake? What is essentially a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and that signature spicy sauce? The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – we’re talking about everyday ingredients. How can I transform myself into something truly special? What is pasta with sauce? Is this a symphony of textures and tastes, with definite kick that keeps you coming back for more? I remember the first time I made this, I was trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and had a huge amount of leftovers. I am not going to share it with anyone. What is your favorite buffalo wings recipe? This was the result, and it’s been a family favorite ever since!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavor explosion! The creamy, cheesy pasta combined with the spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and tender chicken…it’s a match made in culinary heaven. What I love most is how customizable it is – you can adjust the spice level to your liking (more on that later!), and you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Here’s why this is going to be your new go-to:
- Flavor: Seriously, the combination of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and juicy chicken is just incredible. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and exciting. I always get requests for seconds!
- Simplicity: Don’t let the deliciousness fool you – this is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together in under an hour, and most of that time is just baking in the oven. I swear, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat!
- Cost-efficiency: We’re talking pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients here. You can use leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken to keep costs down. Trust me, this is a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag.
- Versatility: This recipe is so forgiving. You can use different types of pasta, add veggies like broccoli or spinach, or even top it with blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and experiment with new flavors. It’s even fantastic cold, right out of the fridge (don’t judge!).
If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you absolutely have to try this! It’s like a deconstructed wing night, but even better. Plus, this is so much easier than my chicken enchiladas.
How do you make buffalo chicken pasta?
Quick Overview
Is it easier to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake than takeout? What are some good ways to make a creamy cheese sauce with buffalo wings? Combine everything with cooked chicken, pour it into a baking dish, top with more cheese (because I love cheese). Is it that easy to bake a cake? Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
What is the Buffalo Chicken Mixture?
- 2 tablespoons butter. 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped onion. 14 cup sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
- 3 cups milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 2 cups melted cheese (if
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 1/2 cups melted mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
Optional Toppings
- Blue cheese crumbles are a
- Chopped green onions: What are some
- Ranch dressing
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you keep pasta from sticking to your hands? I usually do this first so the oven is ready when I need it.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. I always set a timer, because I tend to forget about it! Drain the pasta well and set aside. Why don’t you bake soggy pasta?
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic?
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Step 5: Add Cheese & Buffalo Sauce
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Cream Cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Serve warm. When melted, smooth and spongy, Then, stir in the buffalo wing sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. How much buffalo sauce do you like?
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet and stir until well combined, making sure not to overcook. Every piece of pasta is coated in that glorious sauce.
Step 7: Bake
In a large baking dish, pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. I like to top with shredded cheese. I usually go for it! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the pasta bake for a few minutes before serving. How do I make the sauce thicker? Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions. What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake?
What should I serve it with?
What is a Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake? **For a Classic Game Day Spread: ** Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks and ranch dressing for dipping. What is the perfect appetizer spread for football Sundays? ** A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the salad. What is the best dish to serve at a potluck? What are the best ways to keep a chicken warm in insulated food storage containers? ** Set out a toppings bar with extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onions, and sliced kale. How do you make your own ranch dressing? My family tradition is to always have it with a side of coleslaw, the cool crispness is perfect. What is the perfect complement to the spiciness of Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake? Is this true?
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake?
Okay, so I’ve made this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:
Spice It Up (or Down): The amount of buffalo sauce you use will determine the spice level of your pasta bake. Start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste. If you want it really spicy, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy pasta bake, and nobody wants that!
Use Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this recipe, so use good quality cheese that melts well. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. I always shred my own from a block!
Add Veggies: Feel free to add some veggies to your pasta bake for extra flavor and nutrition. Broccoli, spinach, and Bell Peppers all work well.
Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. You can also use canned chicken, but I find that rotisserie chicken has the best flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
The biggest mistake I ever made was using too much pasta sauce, which resulted in a very soggy pasta bake. So, don’t overdo it!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually put some plastic wrap directly on top so it doesnt dry out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta bake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the pasta bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different. Sometimes I’ll just eat it cold right out of the fridge, which is also very good.
What are the most frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friend – the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake recipe! This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or game day gatherings. It’s easy to customize to your liking, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta bakes for more comforting and delicious meal ideas! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe, and don’t forget to rate it. I’m excited to see how you add your own personal flair. Happy Cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 lb pasta cooked
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
