Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

If you love the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo chicken wings but crave a hearty, comforting meal, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a tangy buffalo sauce kick, this pasta bake combines everything you love about comfort food into one easy weeknight dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a family favorite that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne or any medium pasta
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup milk
• ½ cup buffalo sauce, divided
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions and drain. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, milk, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning using a hand mixer or spoon until smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sauce mixture, and half of both cheeses. Mix well.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
7. Drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce and garnish with green onions before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this Buffalo Chicken Pasta straight from the oven while it’s hot and bubbly. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For a fun twist, serve it in individual ramekins for parties or gatherings. If you like extra heat, drizzle more buffalo sauce on top or add crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy finish.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until hot or microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway through. For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Pasta – Add crispy crumbled bacon before baking for a smoky, salty contrast.
2. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Use elbow macaroni and add extra cheese for a creamier, classic twist.
3. Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Replace the cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce for an extra rich texture.
4. Buffalo Chicken Ranch Bake – Add extra ranch dressing to the sauce for a tangier, creamier flavor.
5. Buffalo Chicken Penne with Broccoli – Stir in steamed broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
6. Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti – Use spaghetti noodles instead of penne for a fun change in texture.
7. Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Blue Cheese Crumbles – Sprinkle blue cheese on top for a restaurant-style touch.
8. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet – Skip the baking step and cook everything in one skillet for a quick stovetop version.
9. Buffalo Chicken Veggie Pasta – Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a colorful and healthy upgrade.
10. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole with Corn – Add sweet corn kernels to balance the spicy flavor.
11. Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Ranch Topping – Top the baked pasta with a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
12. Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Crushed Chips – Sprinkle crushed Doritos or tortilla chips on top before baking for crunch.
13. Buffalo Chicken Ziti – Use ziti pasta and add extra cheese for a heartier version.
14. Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Swap pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
15. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad – Chill the cooked pasta and sauce mixture, then serve cold as a flavorful pasta salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pasta, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Canned chicken works well for convenience, just drain it before mixing.

3. How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Reduce the buffalo sauce to half or use a mild buffalo sauce brand.

4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter version without losing creaminess.

5. What type of buffalo sauce works best?
Frank’s RedHot or any medium-heat buffalo sauce provides the best balance of spice and flavor.

6. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby cheese all melt beautifully and enhance flavor.

7. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your soup and buffalo sauce are certified gluten-free.

8. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta after baking?
Yes. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

9. What can I serve with this pasta?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.

10. How can I make it even creamier?
Add an extra 2 ounces of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream before baking.

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