Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor. An easy comfort food recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Buffalo chicken has always been one of my family’s favorite meals, but I wanted to take those flavors and make them into something more comforting. That’s where this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake came in. It combines tender pasta, spicy buffalo sauce, and loads of melted cheese for a dish that’s hearty, filling, and crowd pleasing.
The first time I made this, my wife walked into the kitchen just as it came out of the oven. The smell of melted cheese and buffalo sauce filled the air. When we sat down to eat, we both agreed it was one of those recipes that you make once and instantly add to your regular dinner rotation. It’s creamy, spicy, and cheesy in all the right ways.
Now I make this pasta bake whenever we have company or when I want something easy that feels special. It’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or any time you want to serve comfort food that everyone will ask for again.
Questions You May Have About This Recipe
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it saves time and works great. Just shred it and mix it right in.
Is it very spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or shells all work well.
What kind of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack melts beautifully too.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it earlier in the day and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What You Need to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
12 ounces uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
¾ cup buffalo sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper until smooth.
Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta until coated.
Pour into the prepared dish and top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips
Add extra buffalo sauce for more spice or extra ranch for a milder flavor.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Top with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Leftovers reheat perfectly in the oven or microwave.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this last night for dinner and everyone went back for seconds. Creamy, cheesy, and so full of flavor.” Susan H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used rotisserie chicken and it came out perfect. Easy to put together and great for busy nights.” Carol D.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The best buffalo pasta I’ve made. It had the right balance of spice and creaminess. My husband loved it.” Linda R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very tasty and comforting. I added a little extra cheddar on top and it browned beautifully.” Patty J.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a potluck and it disappeared fast. Everyone wanted the recipe.” Diane M.
Printable Recipe
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Creamy, cheesy pasta tossed with shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, baked until bubbly and golden for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta until coated.
- Pour into the prepared dish and top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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