Description
Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! This comforting and creamy casserole combines the bold taste of spicy buffalo chicken with the indulgence of pasta and melted cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or any night when you’re craving something truly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounce penne pasta
- 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Mix everything together with a hand mixer or a whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to incorporate the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Pour the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
- Remove the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, blue cheese crumbles. Drizzle with extra ranch dressing and hot sauce for those who like an extra kick of flavor.
Notes
To ensure your pasta is cooked just right, be sure to boil it until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook a bit more in the oven.
Letting the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set, creating a perfectly gooey and delicious casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 41 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 36 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams