Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup ranch dressing; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Prep Meal Collection

I love combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting texture of pasta, and this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is my favorite way to do just that. When I first tried this recipe, the spicy kick paired with creamy cheese delighted my taste buds in a way that nothing else had. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to varying spice levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy it!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:42:28.624Z

After perfecting this dish over several attempts, I discovered that the key to a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake lies in the balance of flavors. Initially, I was tempted to go heavy on the buffalo sauce, but dialing it down and letting the creaminess of the cheese shine through resulted in a much more harmonious dish. Pairing it with a side salad adds freshness that complements the spiciness beautifully.

For an extra twist, I experimented with different pasta shapes and found that penne holds the sauce wonderfully, while fusilli adds a fun texture. I also love adding a sprinkle of blue cheese on top before baking for that authentic buffalo flavor. Trust me, it’s a game changer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spicy and tangy buffalo flavor that satisfies cravings
Creamy sauce that beautifully melds with pasta
Perfectly baked with a cheesy, golden crust

A Flavorful Medley of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake plays a vital role in creating a depth of flavor. The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing gives a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that envelops the pasta and chicken beautifully. For a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder variant. For more texture, consider adding chopped celery or diced bell peppers to the mix to enhance the crunchiness.

It's essential to use shredded chicken that is moist, as it will soak up the flavors of the sauce during baking. If you're short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a fantastic substitute. Just shredding and mixing it in will save you some prep time while keeping the dish delicious. Remember to incorporate it quickly, so it absorbs the sauce's tangy essence.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When baking the pasta, I recommend using a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking and a crispy top. For visual cues, watch for the cheese to soften and bubble; it should be nicely melted with just a hint of golden edges, indicating that it's ready to be pulled from the oven. Baking for the full 30 minutes typically achieves this, but your oven may vary, so keep an eye out during the last few minutes.

To maximize flavor, let the pasta bake rest for about 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This step allows the sauce to settle, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall taste. If you find that the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Mix the Chicken and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the buffalo chicken mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Feel free to prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating your chicken in buffalo sauce before cooking it. Also, a drizzle of extra ranch dressing on top when serving adds a nice touch!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing for a crowd, you can assemble the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking. This not only streamlines your prep but also allows the flavors to meld even further.

For storage, this dish keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze it, ensure it’s tightly wrapped and can be stored for up to a month. Reheating should be done gently in the oven to maintain texture, or you can use the microwave, but do so in short intervals to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a side of fresh celery and carrot sticks for crunch, or a simple green salad to balance out the meal. Adding croutons or topping it with additional blue cheese right before serving can elevate the dish further and please blue cheese lovers.

For a unique twist, try swapping the pasta for another shape like spiral or bowtie pasta, which can hold onto the sauce differently. You can also experiment with using different cheeses; pepper jack for extra spiciness or mozzarella for a stretchier, milder experience. Whichever variation you choose, this recipe remains a crowd-pleasing delight.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a wonderful flavor.

→ What if I don't like blue cheese?

You can substitute with more cheddar cheese or skip it altogether if you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with cooked quinoa or keep it all veggie by adding more vegetables like bell peppers and spinach.