Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need. Don’t worry, this recipe isn’t complicated; you likely already have most of these items in your pantry and fridge!
- Pasta: Use about 12 oz of penne, rotini, or any pasta of your choice. Pasta with ridges holds the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (a rotisserie chicken can work wonders here if you’re in a rush).
- Buffalo Sauce: You’ll need 1 cup of your favorite buffalo sauce. Feel free to adjust based on how spicy you want it.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz of cream cheese will give the dish a creamy texture that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which adds a rich flavor and a gooey texture when melted.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for that melty, stretchy topping we all crave.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: ¼ cup of ranch or blue cheese dressing to bring a cool, creamy element to the spicy chicken.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for a bit of aromatic flavor.
- Green Onions: For garnish, these add a fresh and slightly tangy contrast to the dish.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter to sauté the garlic and enhance the flavor.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a little smoked paprika (optional) to taste.
Now that we’ve got everything, it’s time to get cooking!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously before adding the pasta. This simple step makes a big difference in the flavor of the pasta. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Remember not to overcook the pasta because it’ll continue cooking in the oven later.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, let’s take care of the chicken. If you’re using raw chicken breasts, season them with a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil, and cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut!
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook it for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add in the cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Now, add in the ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is well combined, then toss in your shredded chicken. Give it a good mix so that the chicken gets coated with that creamy, spicy sauce. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce here depending on how spicy you like your dish.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the buffalo chicken mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
Step 5: Bake the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This will give it a gooey, cheesy layer when baked.
Bake the pasta in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you like your cheese a bit crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is out of the oven, it’s time to garnish! Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, zesty touch. If you’re a fan of extra heat, you can drizzle a bit more buffalo sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Best
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as a comforting solo meal, it’s a guaranteed hit. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken is pure comfort food bliss. So, next time you’re looking to spice up your pasta game, give this recipe a try.
What are you waiting for? Get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be blown away by the bold, creamy, cheesy deliciousness of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! Enjoy!
