Name: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: PT-498206H53M19S
Cook time: PT-498206H53M19S
Total time: PT-498206H53M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: • 12 ounces frozen breaded chicken tenders; • 2 tablespoons butter; • 2 tablespoons flour; • 2 1/2 cups water; • 4 cups milk; • 16 ounces short pasta (such as penne); • 1/2 teaspoon salt; • 1 tablespoon ranch powder; • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use); • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; • 2 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes); • 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (plus 2 tablespoons for garnish); • 1/4 cup diced celery; • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions; • cooking spray

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Get ready for a dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite! This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy, and zesty buffalo cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight meal that brings a little bit of heat and a whole lot of deliciousness to your table.

Imagine a bubbly, golden-brown casserole, generously drizzled with extra buffalo sauce and crowned with fresh, crisp toppings – pure comfort in every bite.

Recipe Details

Flavor Profile: Spicy, cheesy, savory, with a hint of ranch tang.
Textures: Creamy sauce, tender pasta, slightly crispy chicken coating, fresh crunchy toppings.
Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes (includes baking time).
Active Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Difficulty: Easy.

What You’ll Need

This delightful Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake brings together crispy breaded chicken tenders, your favorite short pasta, and a luxurious, cheesy buffalo sauce made with a blend of milks, butter, and a touch of cream cheese for ultimate creaminess. It’s all baked until golden and bubbly, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh toppings.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken – Frozen breaded chicken tenders are the secret to keeping this dish easy and adding a delightful crispy texture. Bake them according to package directions for the best results.
Butter and Flour – These form the base for our creamy sauce, creating a smooth, thick texture that coats everything beautifully.
Milk and Water – The combination creates a rich yet not overly heavy sauce that perfectly holds all the cheesy goodness.
Short Pasta – Penne, rotini, or farfalle work wonderfully. Choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well.
Ranch Powder – This adds a subtle, savory depth and a hint of cooling flavor that perfectly complements the buffalo sauce.
Cheeses – A generous mix of cheddar and mozzarella provides that classic cheesy pull and rich flavor, while the cream cheese adds an extra layer of luxurious creaminess.
Buffalo Wing Sauce – This is where the magic happens, bringing that signature spicy kick!
Celery and Green Onions – These fresh toppings add a lovely crunch and a bit of brightness to balance the rich flavors.

Add-ins and Substitutions

Extra Veggies: Feel free to stir in some steamed broccoli florets or peas along with the chicken for added color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: If you love things extra hot, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the sauce, or use a spicier buffalo sauce.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, consider adding a bit of Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Chicken: If you prefer, you could use cooked diced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. Ensure it’s about 2 cups worth and already cooked.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake comes together with a few simple steps, making it perfect for even the busiest evenings.

Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 3-quart baking dish. Bake the chicken tenders as directed on their package. Once cooked, chop them coarsely, reserving about 1/2 cup of the chopped pieces for topping later.
Start the Sauce Base: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it’s well combined, forming a smooth paste.
Build the Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the water until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Then, slowly whisk in the milk.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the short pasta, salt, ranch powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your pasta while it simmers; you want it cooked but still with a slight firmness, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Make it Cheesy and Spicy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the shredded mozzarella, the cubed cream cheese, and 1/3 cup of the buffalo wing sauce. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy.
Add the Chicken: Gently stir in the chopped chicken.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven. Drizzle with the remaining buffalo wing sauce. Top with the reserved chopped chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions before serving warm.

Recipe Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in the sauce until it’s just tender. It will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Melt Cheese Slowly: When adding the cheeses and cream cheese, ensure the heat is low to allow them to melt smoothly without scorching.
Even Browning: If your cheese isn’t browning as much as you’d like in the allotted time, you can briefly place the dish under the broiler for a minute or two, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven allows the sauce to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will work beautifully in this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.
How spicy is this dish? The spice level depends on your buffalo wing sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, you can use a less spicy sauce or reduce the amount slightly. For more heat, use a hotter sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the pasta bake (up to the point of baking) a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake with a simple side salad featuring crisp greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
A side of steamed green beans or a corn on the cob would also make a lovely accompaniment.
For extra flavor, offer a small dish of extra buffalo sauce or a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Make This Recipe in Advance

You can prepare the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake up to the point of baking a day ahead. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the oven time. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated gently.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake