Description
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.
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 3 quart baking dish. Bake the chicken tenders as directed on their package, then chop them coarsely, setting aside 1/2 cup for later. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour until combined. Gradually whisk in water until smooth and slightly thickened, then whisk in milk. Stir in the pasta, salt, ranch powder, and smoked paprika, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Reduce heat to low and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, and 1/3 cup buffalo sauce until smooth. Stir in the diced chicken. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce, then top with the reserved chicken, celery, and green onions before serving.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Cuisine: American