Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Enjoy spicy chicken, creamy cheese, and pasta combined in a flavorful, satisfying American-style baked dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 1.1 pounds cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

→ Sauce

03 - 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
04 - 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup sour cream
06 - 1/4 cup whole milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese

11 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

→ Topping and Garnish

14 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth.
04 - Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat every piece evenly in the sauce.
05 - Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the cheddar cheese.
06 - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
07 - Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and crumbled blue cheese, if using.
08 - Place the baking dish uncovered on the center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot, bubbling, and golden on the surface.
09 - Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Scatter sliced green onions and parsley over the top before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry
  • Crowd-pleasing with a bold spicy kick and gooey cheese
  • Easy to adjust for spice or preference and simple to double for casual gatherings
  • Comforting but not fussy and extra kid friendly if you tame the buffalo heat
02 -
  • High protein and satisfying thanks to chicken and dairy
  • A great way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken
  • The pasta holds up for days and reheats like a dream
03 -
  • Always undercook your pasta slightly so it does not turn mushy during baking
  • Mix your cheeses for best flavor mozzarella for melt, cheddar for sharpness, blue cheese for kick
  • Taste your buffalo sauce before mixing in so you can adjust the spice up or down as needed

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