Save This buffalo chicken pasta bake transforms your favorite wing flavors into a comforting, cheesy casserole that will become your new weeknight favorite. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melty cheese creates an irresistible dish that comes together with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
I first made this pasta bake when looking for creative ways to use up rotisserie chicken, and it quickly became my go to solution for potlucks and family gatherings. The combination of spicy and creamy elements reminds me of our favorite sports bar appetizers but in a more substantial, satisfying form.
Ingredients
- Penne or rotini pasta: provides the perfect shape to hold the creamy buffalo sauce. Look for a quality brand with ridges that will help the sauce cling better.
- Cooked chicken breast: adds lean protein and substance. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and saves significant prep time.
- Buffalo wing sauce: brings that classic spicy tang. Frank's RedHot is my preferred brand but choose your favorite heat level.
- Low fat ranch dressing: helps cool the spice while adding creaminess. The buttermilk notes complement the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Cream cheese: creates a silky texture and helps bind everything together. Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: offer the perfect combination of melt and flavor. Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties.
- Celery and green onions: provide fresh crunch and authentic buffalo wing accompaniment flavors. The vegetables help balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with color and a hint of freshness. Optional but highly recommended for presentation.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook your pasta in generously salted water until just al dente about 1 minute less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining in case your mixture needs loosening.
- Create the Buffalo Sauce Mixture:
- In a large bowl whisk together the buffalo sauce ranch dressing and softened cream cheese until completely smooth. The cream cheese might look lumpy at first but keep whisking until you achieve a silky consistency. This creates the flavor base that makes this dish so addictive.
- Combine the Components:
- Add your drained pasta cooked chicken diced celery and green onions to the buffalo sauce mixture. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly ensuring each pasta piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. The warm pasta will help the sauce distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add the First Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle in half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses while the mixture is still warm. Stir until the cheese starts to melt slightly creating pockets of gooeyness throughout the pasta mixture. This creates an internal cheese layer that makes every bite delicious.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Transfer your pasta mixture to a greased baking dish spreading it evenly to the edges. Press down gently to eliminate large air pockets which helps the casserole hold together better when serving.
- Top with Remaining Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top in an even layer making sure to reach the edges. This creates that irresistible golden cheesy crust everyone fights over.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted bubbly and beginning to brown at the edges about 20 to 25 minutes. The corners should be slightly crispy for textural contrast.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving much neater. Garnish with fresh parsley and a light drizzle of additional buffalo sauce if desired.
Save The buffalo sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I always keep a bottle in my pantry specifically for this dish. My family has a tradition of making this pasta bake for major sporting events, and we adjust the spice level depending on who's joining us. The comfort of this cheesy pasta combined with the excitement of game day creates perfect food memories.
Storage and Reheating
This buffalo chicken pasta bake actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if it seems dry after refrigeration.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have on hand. Try blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a more authentic buffalo wing experience. Not a fan of chicken? Substitute cooked ground turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. For a lower carb option, replace half the pasta with roasted cauliflower florets. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe too, just be sure to cook it very al dente as it can become mushy quickly.
Make It a Meal
Turn this hearty pasta bake into a complete dinner by serving it with simple sides that balance the richness. A crisp green salad dressed with light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast. Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts add nutritional value and complement the cheesy pasta. For hungrier crowds, garlic bread or breadsticks make excellent dipping tools for any extra sauce.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily you can customize the heat level. For a milder version that's still flavorful, use 3/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. For spice lovers, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo mixture. You can also serve additional hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust their own heat preference.
Kid-Friendly Version
This pasta bake can easily be adapted for children with sensitive palates. Reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/2 cup and increase the ranch dressing to 3/4 cup for a milder, creamier sauce. Consider dividing the mixture and making a spicier adult version and milder kid version in separate baking dishes. The familiar pasta and cheese elements make this a great gateway dish for introducing children to more complex flavors.
Save This buffalo chicken pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!