Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and game day gatherings. This irresistible casserole features tender chicken, a creamy sauce with a kick of heat, and a melty cheese topping that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce penne pasta
- 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
6. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
8. Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra nutrition and texture, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or celery into the pasta mixture.
You can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg