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

Scale

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