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Smoky Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake fresh from oven

Smoky Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: Ultimate Cheesy Spicy Comfort


  • Author: MastertheKitchen
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This smoky buffalo chicken pasta bake combines spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and smoky chicken in one bubbling, crowd-pleasing dish.


Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or seared diced)

1 cup buffalo sauce

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Optional: blue cheese crumbles, parsley


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions, drain.

3. Mix buffalo sauce, yogurt, cream cheese, paprika, garlic, and onion powder until smooth.

4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl, mix well.

5. Layer half of the mixture in baking dish, sprinkle half of each cheese.

6. Add remaining mixture, top with rest of the cheese.

7. Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 mins more.

8. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

Use smoked olive oil or grill the chicken for more intense smoky flavor.

For a crispy topping, add crushed tortilla chips during last 5 mins of baking.

Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg