Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors, with a classic buffalo kick. It’s quick to prepare and packed with shredded chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce that’s sure to please any buffalo chicken fan. Topped with melty mozzarella and cheddar, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta (or substitute cooked cauliflower for a low-carb option)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- ⅓ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1 (12.5-ounce) can chunk chicken breast)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. If using cooked cauliflower as a substitute, steam or roast it until tender.
3️⃣ Make the sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Mix in chicken and pasta: Add the shredded cooked chicken, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the cooked pasta (or cauliflower) to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
5️⃣ Assemble the casserole: Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6️⃣ Top with cheese: Combine the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8️⃣ Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. For extra flavor, drizzle with more hot sauce and ranch dressing, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
- Low-carb option: Swap the pasta for cooked cauliflower florets to make a low-carb version of this dish.
- Spice it up: Add more hot sauce for a spicier kick or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.