Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a deliciously spicy and creamy casserole that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo wing sauce, and three kinds of cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food ideal for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) rotini or penne pasta
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) ranch or blue cheese dressing
Cheese
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing into the chicken mixture. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the buffalo chicken sauce mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top, then finish with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing if you prefer a stronger flavor over ranch.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra buffalo wing sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling the bake for food safety.
