Description
A rich and flavorful 30-minute creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake combining tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, and a spicy buffalo cream cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a comforting and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare buffalo chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked penne pasta into the buffalo chicken mixture, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then spread the pasta mixture evenly inside.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Green onions add freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, pasta bake, creamy buffalo chicken, baked pasta dish, quick dinner, comfort food
