Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Buffalo chicken pasta bake brings excitement and comfort to your dinner table with its perfect balance of spicy chicken and creamy pasta. The recipe is easy to make and delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy, creamy cheese sauce, every bite is a treat. Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying this delicious dish with your loved ones.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

• Penne pasta: Pasta provides a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Alternatively, any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni will work. Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts add protein and a tender texture. For a juicier option, you can use boneless skinless thighs.
• Carrots: This root vegetable adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the dish. Bell peppers or zucchini can be used for a different texture.
• Celery ribs: Provide a classic buffalo chicken texture. Chopped green beans or peas are great alternatives.
• Red onion: These have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients. Yellow or white onions can be used instead.
• Garlic cloves: Enhance the overall flavor with their aromatic quality. Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) can serve as a substitute.
• Blue cheese salad dressing: Adds a tangy, creamy component. Ranch dressing can be used for a milder taste.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and binds the sauce. Use plain Greek yogurt, which is great as a lighter option.
• Louisiana-style hot sauce: Gives the dish its signature buffalo flavor. Any preferred hot sauce will work.
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, gooey topping. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese are good alternatives.
• Dry bread crumbs: Add a crunchy topping for texture contrast. Panko or crushed cornflakes can be used instead.
• Butter: Enhances the breadcrumb topping, giving it a golden brown finish. Margarine can be used as a replacement.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Next, season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until it’s no longer pink, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: For a weeknight shortcut, start with a rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken beforehand and incorporate it into the recipe, bypassing the need to cook it separately.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, add the rest of the olive oil. Saute the finely chopped carrots, celery and red onion until tender. Add the garlic and saute for an additional minute.

Step 4: Combine ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the blue cheese dressing, mayonnaise, and hot sauce. Add the cooked pasta and sauteed chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the bake

Move the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and bread crumbs evenly over the top. Pour the melted butter over the bread crumbs.

Editor’s Tip: To ensure even coverage, gradually sprinkle the cheese and bread crumbs rather than dumping them all at once.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the dish uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the dish is heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Editor’s Tip: Let the casserole dish rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to serve and to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Variations

• Bake it with ranch: Substitute the blue cheese salad dressing with ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. Add some shredded mozzarella cheese and Swiss cheese for extra creaminess.
• Take it vegetarian: Increase the vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini or spinach to the sautéed vegetable mix. Swap in seitan for a plant-based protein.
• Make it a mac and cheese: Swap penne with shells and replace the blue cheese salad dressing with a sauce made from melted sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese for an extra cheesy pasta bake. Mix some grated Parmesan cheese with the bread crumbs for a crispy, cheesy topping.

How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole

Cool the buffalo chicken pasta bake completely before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  This dish is good for three to four days when stored correctly.

Can you freeze buffalo chicken pasta bake?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool the dish completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze it for two to three months.

How do you reheat this dish?

Preheat your oven to 350°. Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil and heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips

What are some dishes you can serve with this dish?

To balance the savory, cheesy flavors, pair the pasta bake with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, vegetables or a side of coleslaw.

What are some good garnishes?

Top with green onions or chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Can I use buffalo sauce?

You can use buffalo sauce instead of hot sauce to give the pasta bake its signature spicy and tangy flavor.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

To make this dish less spicy add less hot sauce or use a milder sauce. You can also adjust the amounts of blue cheese dressing and hot sauce.