Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake brings together the irresistible comfort of baked pasta with that spicy tang from buffalo wing sauce and a creamy cheesy finish It is the kind of dish that satisfies big appetites and delivers cozy flavor perfect for a family gathering or an easy meal that feels like a treat after a long day

The first time I made this for my family it became an instant classic We laugh now at how quickly everyone went back for seconds no leftovers in sight

Ingredients

• Pasta: Choose sturdy shapes like penne or rotini They hold the sauce and make every bite saucy and satisfying Check for quality brands with a good chew and always cook just until al dente
• Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed chicken breast is best Tender chicken soaks up the buffalo and cream sauce For ease rotisserie chicken works beautifully
• Buffalo wing sauce: This carries the whole flavor Use a favorite brand that balances tangy and spicy For mild heat go for a milder sauce or add a splash more if you like it bold
• Cream cheese: Make sure it is softened for easy mixing Lends a rich creamy body to the sauce Choose full fat for maximum flavor
• Sour cream: Adds tang and helps mellow the heat from the buffalo sauce Go for thick whole milk sour cream
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce silky Opt for whole for best creaminess
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These two give background flavor and depth Choose fresh spices to keep flavors punchy
• Smoked paprika: The subtle smoke rounds out the tang Add just a bit for a gentle smoky boost
• Salt and black pepper: To enhance and balance flavors Always taste and adjust
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for easy melting Provides the gooey cheesy factor Choose low moisture for best melt
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar wakes everything up with its flavor Buy it in a block and shred for smoother melting
• Blue cheese: Crumbled and optional but adds a true buffalo kick Crumble it yourself for best freshness
• Green onions: Fresh brightness right before serving Thinly slice for both color and flavor
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds color and a hint of herbal flavor

Instructions

Prepare and preheat:

Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a standard 23 by 33 centimeter baking dish This prevents sticking and helps the bake come out beautifully

Boil the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil Add your pasta and cook until just al dente This usually means one to two minutes less than the package directions Drain well but do not rinse so the sauce will cling to every piece

Make the buffalo cream sauce:

In a big mixing bowl whisk together buffalo wing sauce cream cheese sour cream milk garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika plus a good pinch of salt and cracked black pepper Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy If your cream cheese is stubborn microwave it for ten seconds

Mix in chicken and pasta:

Add your cooked chicken and hot drained pasta directly to the sauce Toss gently to coat everything evenly The heat from the pasta will help the sauce coat thoroughly

Add half the cheese:

Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella along with all of the cheddar cheese Stir gently to distribute the cheese throughout but save the rest for the topping

Assemble in the dish:

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish Spread it out with a spatula so it bakes evenly

Add topping cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and crumbled blue cheese over the top This cheesy crust turns bubbly and golden in the oven

Bake:

Transfer the dish uncovered to your preheated oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling and you see sauce bubbling at the edges

Rest and garnish:

Let rest for at least five minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and fresh parsley This helps set the casserole and makes it easier to serve

Save

Blue cheese is always the ingredient that divides my table but it is also what makes this pasta bake taste just like your favorite wings I remember one time my father was hesitant but after one bite he was the first to go back for more

Storage tips

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly and refrigerating Leftovers keep for up to three days in the fridge To reheat add a splash of milk and cover loosely to keep things creamy Microwave or use a low oven setting

Ingredient substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience If you are not a fan of blue cheese swap in more mozzarella or cheddar For a lighter version use reduced fat dairy ingredients though the sauce may be a bit less rich

Serving suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or celery sticks to echo classic buffalo wing flavors Garlic bread makes it even more comforting For extra party points offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling

Save

This casserole is always the hit of any party and its creamy tangy flavor means there are never leftovers Enjoy each slice with your favorite sides and make it part of your menu rotation

Kitchen Help

→ What kind of chicken works best?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast offers the best texture, but rotisserie or leftover chicken can be used for convenience.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, for more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less spice, use milder wing sauce.

→ Is blue cheese required?

No, blue cheese is optional. The dish remains flavorful with just mozzarella and cheddar or can use extra of either.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta, and ensure the buffalo sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ What sides pair well with this bake?

Crisp green salads and celery sticks complement the casserole's richness and offer refreshing contrast.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days and reheated as needed.