Savor the creamy, spicy goodness of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake that’s sure to please any crowd! This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo wing sauce, and a dreamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar to create a meal that’s the ultimate comfort food. With each bite, you’ll experience that perfect balance of heat and creaminess—a total flavor party in your mouth. It’s a crowd-pleaser for game nights, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet effortless. I love how the buffalo sauce sneaks into every nook of the penne pasta, hugging each tube with spicy, savory goodness.
As someone who’s whipped this up on busier-than-usual evenings, I can attest that this recipe is a beginner’s dream. It takes just 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes in the oven, and a quick 5-minute rest before diving in. Clocking in at around 600 calories per serving, it’s hearty enough to fill you up without weighing you down. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a satisfying meal-prep option, this pasta bake checks all the boxes for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking—there’s a cheesy, spicy feast waiting for you!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
Before you dive into cooking, let’s chat about the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that melty, spicy, and satisfyingly creamy profile. From the sturdy pasta that holds up to the sauce to the finishing touch of fresh herbs, here’s what makes this dish shine.
- Penne pasta
This tubular pasta is perfect for holding onto every bit of the buffalo chicken sauce. Its ridged surface ensures each piece remains coated in flavor, giving you a saucy bite every time.
- Cooked chicken
Shredded chicken is the protein powerhouse here. It soaks up the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing, distributing spicy, tangy notes throughout the bake.
- Olive oil
Used for sautéing garlic, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps to release garlic’s aromatic oils without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic
Minced garlic provides a savory backbone. When sautéed until fragrant, it infuses the entire sauce with warm, inviting flavor.
- Buffalo wing sauce
This spicy sauce is the heart of our recipe, delivering that signature kick and tang that buffalo chicken fans crave.
- Ranch dressing
Creamy ranch dressing balances the heat, adding a cool, herby dimension that rounds out the buffalo sauce.
- Cream cheese
Softened cream cheese melts into a silky base, binding the sauce and ensuring it clings luxuriously to the pasta and chicken.
- Mozzarella cheese
This stretchy cheese layer provides mild creaminess and that irresistible cheese pull when you dig in.
- Cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds depth of flavor, a touch of tang, and a golden hue to the cheesy topping.
- Salt
Enhances and elevates all the other flavors without making anything taste salty.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle peppery note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Green onions
Freshly chopped green onions bring a burst of color and a mild onion crunch to the finished dish.
- Fresh parsley (optional)
A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of green and a hint of fresh, herby brightness.
- Non-stick cooking spray
Ensures your baking dish comes cleanly away from the pasta bake, preserving those golden edges.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
Ready to roll up your sleeves? This section will guide you through every step, from boiling the pasta to achieving that bubbly, golden cheese crust. Follow along and you’ll have a creamy, spicy dinner on the table in about 50 minutes total.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to ensure easy release later.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. The slightly firm texture keeps the pasta from becoming mushy in the bake.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir in the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth, creating a creamy, spicy sauce.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta until well coated with the buffalo chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the spice level if needed.
6. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the pasta.
7. Add the remaining pasta layer and top it with the rest of the cheeses, ensuring a uniform cheese blanket.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top, creating that perfect crust.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
Once your pasta bake is out of the oven and that cheese is bubbling just right, it’s time to think about how to serve it up in style. This dish shines best when complemented by fresh, crunchy sides and cool dressings that balance its heat. The energy of game-day excitement or the coziness of a family dinner is elevated by the right accompaniments, turning this bake into a full feast everyone will rave about.
- Serve with celery sticks
The classic companion to buffalo-flavored dishes, crisp celery sticks cut through the richness and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Pair with veggie crudités
A platter of sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips adds vibrant color and freshness, making every forkful feel lighter.
- Offer a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing
Let guests drizzle extra dressing on their portions for added creaminess and cooling relief from the spice.
- Garnish plates with fresh herbs
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or chives not only looks gorgeous but also brightens each bite with a hint of herbal aroma.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
If you happen to have leftovers (and trust me, you might), proper storage will keep that spicy, cheesy goodness intact for days. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving room in the freezer, following these tips will ensure each reheated portion tastes nearly as good as fresh from the oven.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Transfer cooled leftovers into a container, seal tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. This keeps the pasta moist and prevents the cheese from drying out.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe dish
For longer storage, place cooled portions in a compatible container, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C), uncover your portion in an oven-safe dish, and warm for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melty and the center is heated through.
- Reheat in the microwave
For a quick fix, place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
CONCLUSION
What a journey we’ve taken from the first aromatic sauté of garlic to that final slice of bubbly, golden cheese! This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and ease. With only 15 minutes of prep time, a simple skillet-and-bake method, and familiar ingredients, even kitchen beginners can confidently create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bistro. The combination of tender penne, juicy shredded chicken, tangy buffalo wing sauce, and a velvety cheese blend makes every bite an indulgent experience, while crisp green onions and parsley add the perfect fresh pop. Whether you’re serving it up for a crowd, packing it for weekday lunches, or tucking away leftovers for a quick reheat, this bake truly shines as a versatile, satisfying meal.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you’ll want it on hand any time you’re craving that spicy, creamy comfort. Don’t forget, you can also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about prep times, substitutions, or troubleshooting mishaps. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment with your feedback, questions, or personal twists on the dish. Your kitchen adventures are what make cooking so much fun, and I’m always here to help if you need clarification or tips. Happy baking, and may your next pasta night be as cheesy and spicy as you dare!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake blends savory chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
-
Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir in the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth.
-
Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta until well coated with the buffalo chicken mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
-
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the pasta.
-
Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheeses.
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.
Note
- This dish is versatile; feel free to swap out penne for any pasta shape you prefer.
- For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- This pasta bake can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; just adjust the baking time if needed.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks for a true buffalo experience.
