Description
This creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken pasta bake combines tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a rich cheese sauce—perfect for game day or comfort dinners.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup ranch dressing
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
For a sharper flavor, swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing.
Adding cooked bacon or diced celery gives extra texture and flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free-friendly.
To make it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce.
Boost nutrition by adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
