Are you on the hunt for the perfect dish that combines creamy, spicy, and cheesy all in one bite? Look no further than Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! This crowd-pleasing dish brings together the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken with the comfort of cheesy pasta. It’s the ultimate casserole that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal prep win, this bake delivers a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This recipe is all about flavor. The spicy Buffalo sauce combined with creamy ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering base that’s both rich and tangy. Add in shredded chicken, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s completely irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for serving at a game day gathering.
But that’s not all—this recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be on the table in about 40 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a comfort food fix, or just need a quick weeknight meal, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to impress!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, make sure you’ve got all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need for this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake:
- 12 ounces penne pasta – The penne pasta holds up well in the bake, ensuring that every bite is filled with flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – You can use rotisserie chicken or cook and shred your own for a homemade touch.
- 1 ½ cups Buffalo sauce – The star of the dish, adding that signature spicy kick!
- 1 cup ranch dressing – Balances out the heat of the Buffalo sauce with creamy goodness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – A classic choice for cheesy pasta dishes.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella adds that stretchy, gooey texture we all love.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – For a smoky undertone that works wonderfully with the spicy Buffalo sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is key for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor.
Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to get cooking!
Directions: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. With a few easy steps, you’ll have this crowd-pleaser baked and on the table in no time.
1. Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The first step in preparing this dish is cooking the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This will typically take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
The reason we cook the pasta al dente is that it will continue to cook while it bakes, and we don’t want it to become too soft or mushy. By keeping it a little firmer, you’re ensuring the pasta holds up when mixed with the flavorful sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to make the sauce that will bring this entire dish together. Combine the Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in the bowl. These two ingredients form the base of the sauce, giving the pasta a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor.
Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices will infuse the dish with aromatic, savory undertones that complement the tangy heat from the Buffalo sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste this will help balance out the bold flavors.
Stir the sauce until it’s well-blended, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout.
3. Assemble the Dish
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole! Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter. This ensures that the dish won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.
In the prepared baking dish, mix together the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The chicken adds protein, and the cheese creates that ooey-gooey, melty texture that everyone loves.
Once that’s mixed together, pour the prepared Buffalo sauce mixture over the pasta and toss it all together. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the sauce, ensuring that every bite has that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
4. Add the Topping
To make this dish extra cheesy, it’s time to add the final layer of cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will form a golden, bubbly layer that’s the perfect finish to the bake.
5. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. The edges should be slightly crispy, adding some texture to the dish.
If you like your cheese to be extra browned and bubbly, you can switch to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop out. If you want to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top before serving. This step is optional, but it gives the dish a beautiful finish.
Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness of this irresistible dish!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this indulgent meal? Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Servings: 6 servings
Each serving is perfectly balanced, offering a good mix of protein, carbs, and fat, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. Of course, you can always tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs by substituting ingredients like low-fat cheese or using a lighter ranch dressing.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To make sure your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake turns out just right, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred it and add it to the mix. It’s already cooked, saving you a step in the preparation.
- Adjust the spice level: If you like your food extra spicy, you can add extra Buffalo sauce or even some hot sauce to the mixture. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, use a mild Buffalo sauce and adjust accordingly.
- Make it ahead of time: This dish can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This is great for meal prep or when you’re hosting guests and want to save time.
- Add vegetables: For an extra nutrient boost, consider adding chopped green onions, bell peppers, or spinach into the mix.
Variations You Can Try
This recipe is super versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Ranch: If you want more of a ranch flavor, use spicy ranch dressing instead of regular ranch for an added kick.
- Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to use shredded beef or ground turkey as alternatives. Both pair well with the spicy Buffalo sauce.
- Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicier flavor or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add in more veggies like zucchini, corn, and black beans to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly in this dish, feel free to swap it with another pasta shape like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this pasta bake freezes well! Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I make this dish without ranch dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can substitute with blue cheese dressing for a more authentic Buffalo flavor or opt for a plain yogurt dressing for a lighter alternative.
Conclusion
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a dish that brings together all the best comfort food elements cheese, chicken, and spicy Buffalo sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a family dinner, or just want a dish that will be a hit at any gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
For more incredible recipes like this one, check out these related recipes:
- Biscuits and Gravy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – A Family Favorite
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Wrap – Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
This recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy, and creamy bite
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake – A Flavor-Packed Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combines creamy ranch dressing, tangy Buffalo sauce, and tender chicken in a cheesy, baked pasta dish. This crowd-pleasing recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game day feast!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ½ cups Buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended. - Assemble the Dish:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the Buffalo sauce mixture over the pasta and toss until evenly coated. - Add the Topping:
Spread the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta. - Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch (if desired). Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness!
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce.
- Feel free to substitute the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for an even more authentic Buffalo flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side of celery or a green salad to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Cheesy Buffalo Pasta Bake, Buffalo Chicken Casserole, Spicy Pasta Bake, Creamy Buffalo Chicken, Baked Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner