Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Cheesy & Spicy)

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 8 oz cream cheese ((softened)); 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 green onions ((chopped))

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You want comfort food that makes everyone happy? This buffalo chicken pasta bake hits every spot you crave.

I make this dish when my family needs something warm and filling. The spicy buffalo sauce mixes with creamy cheese perfectly.

It smells amazing while it bakes and tastes even better. Get ready to fall in love with this gooey, spicy meal!

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Spicy flavors mix nicely with creamy cheese sauces.
Perfect for sharing when the family eats together on nights.
Quick meal helps when you are having a busy day.
Easy to reheat, so leftovers never get boring ever.
Great option for parties or big fun gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooked Pasta: Any shape works, but I love penne or rotini that hold sauce best. And never fall apart in the oven.
Shredded Cooked Chicken: Leftover rotisserie makes things faster, but any shredded chicken will work in this tasty bake.
Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and tangy, it gives this dish heat. Choose your favorite brand or make it homemade.
Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce rich and creamy. Softens easily, so it stirs right into your hot sauce mixture.
Ranch Dressing: Smooth, tangy flavor that tones down buffalo sauce heat perfectly. Bottled or homemade, both taste yummy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts and bubbles on top for classic gooey, comforting bites with every single forkful you take.
Mozzarella Cheese: Stretches, melts, and covers the pasta in a stringy, cheesy blanket that everyone loves.
Green Onions: Chopped and sprinkled, they give a fresh flavor pop and pretty color on top of the cheesy pasta bake.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor without any peeling or chopping.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Pot: Used for boiling pasta to the right tenderness; roomy size avoids boiling over easily and keeps pasta perfect.
9×13-inch Baking Dish: Holds all ingredients mixed together and gives a perfect baked cheesy topping using an even spread.
Mixing Bowls: For tossing chicken, sauces, and pasta smoothly, ensuring everything gets coated evenly from edge to edge.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for measuring out sauces, cheese, and seasonings so every bite always comes out the same.
Oven: The heart of this recipe, it melts cheese and crisps edges to golden perfection, so dinner is cooked just right.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This recipe step is so simple…….Prep the sauce, mix everything together, and bake until bubbly for about 20 minutes.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water using package directions for al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prep the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Mix cream cheese in a bowl with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Stir till creamy and smooth—this becomes your spicy base.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cheesy buffalo sauce, and half of the cheddar plus garlic powder until coated.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Layer mozzarella and remaining cheddar on top so you get a nice bubbly crust.

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 375°F or until bubbly. Top with green onions right before serving for freshness.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Choose al dente pasta for a better chewy bite, and never overcook it.
Use room temperature cream cheese for easy, lump-free mixing and creamy sauce.
Always cover with foil first if you want an extra gooey cheese topping.
Sprinkle extra cheese halfway through baking for a delicious melty crust on top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before you cut into it for the best serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap in blue cheese crumbles for a stronger flavor if you like classic buffalo taste.
Try using Greek yogurt in place of ranch for a light, tangy, creamy filling instead.
Add diced celery or carrots into the pasta for added crunch or mild sweetness.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy with no worries.
Make it vegetarian by using cooked chickpeas instead of chicken—tastes great every single bite.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble it earlier, then bake just before you need dinner for simple planning.
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days safely.
To reheat, add extra buffalo sauce before popping it in the microwave for best results.
This dish freezes well in freezer-safe containers up to two whole months.
Slice into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or busy weeknight reheating.

Serving Ideas

Pair with a crisp green salad and some ranch on the side for a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy pasta.
Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks so everyone can scoop up every bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Spoon a little extra buffalo sauce over the top if you want more heat, then add some cool ranch drizzle.
Top each plate with more fresh green onions or cilantro for a flavor pop and a pretty final finish every time.
Offer with a bowl of fresh carrots and celery sticks for authentic buffalo wing style crunch alongside every hot, cheesy forkful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, you can prepare everything ahead. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish, then bake it fresh just before you want to eat.

Yes, skip baking by heating everything together in a skillet. Melt the cheese on top until bubbly and everything is heated through.

If buffalo sauce is too spicy, swap in barbecue sauce or regular hot sauce mixed with melted butter for flavor.

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that the sauces are gluten-free too for safety.

Veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and spinach mix in easily. They give extra color, crunch, and nutrients without being fussy.