30-Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This 30-Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce and rich cheeses, all baked together for a comforting meal. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the mixture.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
7. Step 7: Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let cool for a few minutes before serving; garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
• Leftover pasta bake can be tossed with fresh greens for a hearty salad the next day.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions but expect the pasta to be less crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Cooked shredded chicken works best—rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice, but leftover roasted or grilled chicken will also work well.

30-Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 412 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta dish later.
2. Cook pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then spread the pasta mixture evenly inside.
6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. 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