Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a fun and hearty dish that brings together two comfort food favorites: buffalo chicken and pasta. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and filling. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce combined with the creamy pasta made it an instant hit with my family. If you love buffalo chicken wings and pasta, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home too.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (penne or rotini works great)
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup of buffalo sauce (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup of celery, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (for that crunchy topping)
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Making this dish is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. If you are adding celery, now is the time to mix it in. Stir everything until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture
Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the cream sauce.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. This will melt beautifully and create a gooey topping that everyone loves.
Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy goodness.
Tips for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference. You can even mix different sauces for a unique flavor.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. They can be mixed in before baking.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Just assemble it and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Variations
While the classic buffalo chicken pasta bake is delicious on its own, there are various ways to modify it to suit your tastes.
1. Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
If you are a cheese lover, increase the amount of cheese in the recipe. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for an extra kick.
2. Vegetarian Buffalo Pasta Bake
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with cauliflower or chickpeas. Toss them in buffalo sauce and mix them into the pasta.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those who are gluten intolerant. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
When serving buffalo chicken pasta bake, consider pairing it with these simple sides:
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pasta bake.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a great addition for scooping up that creamy pasta.
- Veggie Sticks: Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. Bake in the oven until heated through.
Nutritional Information
While I don’t focus too much on numbers, it’s good to have a rough idea of what you’re eating. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
This buffalo chicken pasta bake recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. I love how comforting and satisfying it is, especially when the weather turns chilly. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste just as good the next day!