Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Homestyle Recipe Favorites

I absolutely love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! It's the perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese that keeps me coming back for more. Whenever I'm hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, this dish never disappoints. The creamy pasta is laced with zesty flavors and topped with a crispy golden crust. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be prepped in advance. I can’t wait for you to try it and bring a little heat to your dinner table!

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:37:27.557Z

When I first made this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, I knew I had struck gold in the kitchen! The combination of saucy chicken and rich cheese is simply irresistible. I experimented by adding cream cheese to make the sauce extra creamy, and it turned out to be the hero of the dish. The texture is delightful, and it pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

One tip I found helpful is to roast the chicken beforehand to give it that smoky flavor. I also love to sprinkle extra blue cheese on top before baking, which leads to a flavor explosion. Trust me, this recipe will soon become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Spicy buffalo flavor that satisfies cravings
Melty cheese that pulls apart perfectly
Comforting and filling for any occasion

Pasta Choice Matters

Using penne pasta not only provides a great texture but also ensures that the sauce clings beautifully to each piece. Penne's tubular shape allows the molten cheese and zesty buffalo sauce to fill every nook and cranny, enhancing each bite. If you prefer a different pasta, fusilli or rigatoni can work well too, as they also trap sauce effectively. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Cooking the pasta to al dente is crucial for this recipe. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked, diminishing the overall dish quality. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and perhaps set a timer two minutes earlier than the package instructions suggest. You want the pasta to be firm enough to hold its shape while soaking up the sauce during baking.

Cream Cheese & Buffalo Sauce: The Perfect Combo

Cream cheese serves as a rich, creamy base for the sauce, balancing out the heat of the buffalo sauce. It also helps create a luscious texture that coats the pasta and chicken evenly. Make sure to soften your cream cheese beforehand; this allows it to blend seamlessly into the mixture without any lumps. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Buffalo sauce is the star of this dish, providing that signature spicy kick. Not all buffalo sauces are created equal, so taste yours before adding it to the mixture; adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you like a milder flavor, a blend of buffalo sauce and some plain tomato sauce can tone down the heat while still maintaining a hint of spice.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, half of the mozzarella cheese, blue cheese, and green onions. Mix until evenly coated.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked penne pasta to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add diced jalapeños to the mixture before baking. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is also great for meal prep
just reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great things about this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is that it can be prepared in advance. After assembling the dish in the baking tray, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even tastier when it’s time to bake.

If you're looking to freeze it, this dish can be frozen before baking as well. Just ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it as per the regular instructions. No one will know it’s a make-ahead meal!

Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake shines on its own but can also be served with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more complete meal. I recommend a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta bake. The freshness will be a delightful contrast to the spicy, cheesy goodness.

For a fun twist, you can serve individual portions topped with additional crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Not only does it elevate the presentation, but it also enhances the flavor profile, making every bite memorable. Don't forget to have plenty of napkins on hand—this dish is deliciously messy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli will work well.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with cooked cauliflower or chickpeas and use a vegetarian buffalo sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.