Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This cheesy buffalo chicken pasta bake is my favorite way to bring a little excitement to a weeknight. You get all the spice and tang of buffalo wings, the creaminess of a classic casserole, and a dreamy layer of melted cheese—basically, game-day flavor in a family-friendly comfort dish.

The first time I made this on a rainy evening, everyone asked for seconds. Now it is a regular on our dinner rotation and even my neighbor&rsquos teenagers have started showing up when it&rsquos in the oven.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Choose sturdy shapes like penne or rotini so the sauce and cheese cling well. Check for al dente texture and pick a good quality brand for the best bite
• Chicken: Cooked shredded or cubed chicken brings protein and heartiness. Rotisserie is a great shortcut. Look for juicy breast or thigh meat not overcooked
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: The base of your flavor. Choose your favorite brand. Some are more tangy some bring more heat so pick the one you love
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese helps the sauce cling to every noodle and gives the dish creamy richness. Use block cream cheese not spread for better melting
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and even more creamy body. Opt for full-fat for the richest result
• Whole Milk: Thins out the sauce so it is easily tossed with pasta. Whole milk keeps it luscious
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Reliable flavor boosters. Look for fresh spices for the boldest taste
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a background smokiness. Use Spanish paprika if possible
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. Always use fresh ground pepper and taste before baking
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for stretchy cheese pulls. Shred yourself if you can for best melt
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharpness to balance the richness. Choose a bold cheddar
• Blue Cheese: Optional for that signature buffalo touch. Crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy finish. Pick a quality blue cheese for best flavor
• Green Onions and Chopped Parsley: For a fresh pop of color and bite. Look for bright and perky produce

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dish:

Preheat your oven to 180C or 350F and lightly grease a large rectangular baking dish so the pasta will not stick later

Cook and Drain Pasta:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne or rotini just until al dente. Do not overcook. Drain well and set aside to keep it from getting soggy

Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Beat until completely smooth so the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive

Combine Pasta Chicken and Sauce:

Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta straight to the sauce bowl. Toss everything together really well so every piece is coated and no ingredients are dry

Fold in Cheeses:

Stir in half the mozzarella cheese and all the cheddar. This makes sure there are melty cheese pockets throughout

Fill the Baking Dish:

Tip the whole mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent baking and bubbling

Add Last Layer of Cheese:

Top with the remaining mozzarella and scatter blue cheese over the top if you like the extra tang for that classic buffalo flavor

Bake Until Bubbling:

Place uncovered in the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes. Keep an eye out for golden cheese and bubbling sauce

Finish and Garnish:

Let the casserole rest five minutes out of the oven before cutting to help it set. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and parsley right before serving

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I am obsessed with the combination of cheddar and blue cheese here. The sharpness and tang on that bubbly top layer reminds me of nachos I made once for my friends after a long day at the lake. Everyone came back for thirds and there were no leftovers

Storage Tips

Buffalo pasta bake stores well covered in the fridge for up to four days. Try wrapping tightly with foil to retain moisture during reheating. For longer storage cool fully, slice into portions and freeze wrapped individually. To reheat from frozen thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from the freezer with foil on until piping hot

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken saves time if you do not want to cook your own. If blue cheese is not your thing add more cheddar or mozzarella. For gluten free swap in your favorite GF pasta and always double check your sauces for hidden wheat. You can use light sour cream but the sauce will be a bit less rich

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crunchy celery sticks or a crisp side salad to echo the classic wings pairing. Garlic bread is another winner for soaking up all that spicy cheesy sauce. If hosting a party bake in small dishes for individual servings or keep it classic in one big pan for a family style feast

Cultural and Historical Context

Buffalo chicken wings trace back to Buffalo New York where they were first invented with a buttery peppery hot sauce. That big flavor profile has inspired all sorts of dishes in the US from pizzas to wraps to pasta bakes like this. The blend of creamy sauces spicy heat and blue cheese makes this truly American comfort food

Seasonal Adaptations

Use rotisserie chicken in summer to avoid heating up the kitchen. Swap in pumpkin puree for some of the cream cheese in fall for a subtle earthy sweetness. In spring try garnishing with fresh chives instead of parsley

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I learned years ago to let the bake rest before cutting. Do not skip that step for the neatest slices and gooey cheese layers

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and works well for this dish. Simply shred or cube before mixing with sauce and pasta.

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pasta and ensure your buffalo sauce, dairy, and other ingredients do not contain wheat derivatives.

→ Is blue cheese necessary for the topping?

No, blue cheese is optional. You can substitute it with more cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.

→ What can I serve alongside this baked pasta?

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or celery sticks to balance the rich, creamy flavors.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if chilled to ensure it heats through.

→ How do I adjust the spiciness?

Increase or decrease buffalo sauce quantity, or add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.