Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: A Spicy, Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite

The Perfect Spicy, Cheesy Casserole for Any Occasion

If you love the bold, tangy heat of Buffalo chicken and the comforting creaminess of baked pasta, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup you need in your life. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, creamy ranch dressing, and just the right amount of spicy hot sauce, all baked together into one cheesy, bubbly, irresistible casserole.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or whenever you need a quick and easy meal that satisfies your cravings. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a hassle-free dinner that everyone will love.

Let’s dive into this creamy, spicy, and ultra-cheesy pasta bake!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need for this delicious casserole.

Main Ingredients:

🍝 2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta – The perfect shape to hold all that creamy, cheesy sauce. (Want a low-carb version? Use cooked cauliflower instead!)
🧀 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
🥣 ¾ cup ranch dressing – Adds a tangy, herby flavor that balances the heat.
🔥 ⅓ cup hot sauce – Use your favorite Buffalo sauce for the perfect spice level.
🍗 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – You can use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for convenience.
🧀 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – Melts beautifully and makes everything gooey.
🧀 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, bold flavor to the cheesy topping.
🌿 Green onions – A fresh, slightly spicy garnish to complete the dish.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. This ensures that the pasta bake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the oven is preheating, cook your penne pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and drizzle it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside while we prepare the creamy Buffalo sauce.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a low-carb option, swap out the pasta for roasted cauliflower. It soaks up the flavors just as well!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Now, let’s bring the bold, creamy, and spicy flavors together in one delicious sauce.

How to Make It:

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce.
2️⃣ Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese isn’t mixing well, microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds to soften it further.
3️⃣ Add in the shredded chicken, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the cooked pasta. Stir until everything is well coated in the creamy Buffalo sauce.

At this point, your kitchen will start smelling amazing, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a bite (or two) of this creamy, spicy goodness!

Now that our creamy Buffalo sauce is mixed with the pasta and chicken, it’s time to assemble this cheesy, spicy, and incredibly comforting casserole. This step is where everything comes together—gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and a bubbly, golden top that’s pure perfection.

Let’s get this dish ready for the oven!

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

With everything prepped, it’s time to layer the flavors and get this casserole baking!

How to Assemble It:

1️⃣ Spoon the Buffalo chicken pasta mixture into your greased 8-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the pasta, making sure to cover it completely for a gooey, melty finish.

Pro Tip: If you love an extra cheesy, golden crust, add a little extra shredded cheddar on top!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Now, let’s get this cheesy, spicy masterpiece in the oven!

Baking Instructions:

🔥 Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
🔥 If you love a crispy, golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to prevent burning!

Once the pasta bake is hot, bubbling, and smelling absolutely amazing, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, slightly spicy kick.

Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor:

🔥 Drizzle with extra hot sauce for even more heat.
🥣 Add a swirl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast.
🧀 Top with crumbled blue cheese for an extra tangy bite.

Serving Ideas:

🍽 Enjoy it as a main dish with a side salad.
🍞 Pair it with garlic bread for an even more indulgent meal.
🥦 Serve it with roasted veggies to balance out the richness.

Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is fresh out of the oven, bubbling with cheesy goodness, and ready to be devoured! Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions, storage tips, and final thoughts on this cheesy, spicy, and totally satisfying pasta bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, since it will take a little longer to heat through from cold.

2. What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?

This recipe works great with:

• Rotisserie chicken – Quick and easy with great flavor.
• Leftover grilled or baked chicken – A great way to repurpose leftovers!
• Canned chicken – A convenient, budget-friendly option.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! If you love extra heat, try:
🔥 Using ½ cup of hot sauce instead of ⅓ cup.
🔥 Adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mix.
🔥 Using spicy shredded cheese, like habanero cheddar.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne is a great option, you can substitute with:
🍝 Rotini – Holds the sauce well with its spiral shape.
🍝 Rigatoni – A bigger, heartier pasta for extra cheesiness.
🍝 Gluten-free pasta – Works just as well for a gluten-free version.
🍝 Cauliflower – A great low-carb swap for pasta!

5. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second bursts or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or ranch dressing when reheating to keep it creamy!

6. Can I swap the ranch for blue cheese dressing?

Yes! If you prefer classic Buffalo flavors, swap out the ranch for ¾ cup blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Spicy, Cheesy Comfort Food

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness, making it a must-try recipe for any Buffalo chicken fan. It’s quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, making it great for busy nights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ 30-Minute Meal – Quick and easy to make.
✅ Cheesy & Creamy – Loaded with melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
✅ Customizable Heat Level – Make it mild or extra spicy!
✅ Perfect for Leftovers – Even better the next day!

So, if you’re looking for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing pasta dish, give this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake a try!

Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out—leave a comment with your favorite add-ins or serving ideas.

Enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite! 🔥🧀🍝

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