Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cheesy, comforting, and slightly spicy meal that’s easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is one of my go-to recipes! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of Buffalo kick.

Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or simply because you’re craving something indulgent, this dish will hit the spot. Plus, it’s versatile—you can swap out ingredients to make it lower carb, extra crunchy, or even prep it ahead of time.

So, let’s dive into what makes this pasta bake so special and how you can whip it up in no time!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE

• Quick and easy – You’ll have this in the oven in just 15 minutes!
• Perfect for leftovers – It reheats like a dream, making it great for meal prep.
• Customizable – Want it spicier? Cheesier? Crunchier? I’ve got tips for all that below!
• Great for a crowd – Whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day party, this dish is always a winner.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

This recipe is packed with bold flavors and simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

✅ For the Pasta Bake:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta (or substitute with cooked cauliflower for a low-carb option)
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup ranch dressing
• ⅓ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1 (12.5-ounce) can chunk chicken breast, drained)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Green onions, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Before we get started, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure everything bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection.

Spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks.

STEP 2: COOK THE PASTA

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Once done, drain the pasta and drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking.

👉 Low-Carb Tip: If you’re going for a low-carb version, swap out the pasta for roasted cauliflower or spaghetti squash!

STEP 3: MAKE THE CREAMY BUFFALO SAUCE

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

This sauce is what gives the pasta its spicy, tangy, and creamy texture. If you like it extra spicy, add more hot sauce!

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STEP 4: COMBINE EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Now, take your shredded chicken, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the cooked pasta, and mix them into the Buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re using canned chicken, be sure to drain it well before adding it in. If you have rotisserie chicken on hand, it adds even more flavor!

Now that we’ve prepped our creamy Buffalo sauce and tossed everything together, it’s time to layer on the cheese and bake this dish to golden perfection. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts, the flavors blend, and the entire dish transforms into the ultimate comfort food.

Let’s get to the fun part—baking and making this pasta bake irresistible!

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Now that your pasta, chicken, and sauce are fully combined, it’s time to get everything into the baking dish.

1. Spoon the Buffalo chicken pasta mixture into your prepared 8-inch casserole dish.
2. Spread it out evenly so everything bakes consistently.

Now, let’s talk cheese. We’ve already added mozzarella to the mixture, but to take this to the next level, we’re layering even more cheese on top.

3. Mix together the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then sprinkle it evenly over the pasta.

The combination of mozzarella and cheddar is what gives this bake that perfect mix of gooey, melty texture with just a little sharpness from the cheddar.

👉 Want an extra layer of crunch? Before baking, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top for added texture!

STEP 6: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION

Now that everything is assembled, it’s time to let the oven do its thing.

1. Place the casserole in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
2. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes—every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake it.

If you love a little extra browning on top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. This gives the cheese that irresistible golden crust!

STEP 7: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once your pasta bake is perfectly melty and golden, carefully remove it from the oven.

To finish it off:

• Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Optional: Drizzle with extra ranch dressing or hot sauce before serving for an extra punch of flavor.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes scooping out perfect portions easier.

EXPERT TIPS & VARIATIONS

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is already incredible, but here are some ways to make it even better or tweak it to your liking.

✅ LOW-CARB VERSION:

• Swap out the penne pasta for roasted cauliflower or spaghetti squash.
• This keeps all the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness but cuts down on carbs!

✅ MEAT SUBSTITUTES:

• Don’t have shredded chicken? Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor or even cooked ground turkey for a different twist.
• For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for cooked chickpeas or jackfruit.

✅ EXTRA CRUNCH:

• If you love a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
• This adds a fun contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.

✅ MAKE-AHEAD TIP:

• Assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• When ready to bake, pop it in the oven and add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

You’ve just made the ultimate cheesy, spicy comfort food—now let’s talk about the best ways to store, reheat, and even customize this dish. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the most out of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. CAN I MAKE THIS PASTA BAKE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You can assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, pop it in the oven and add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

If you’re making it further in advance, you can freeze it before baking. See below for freezing instructions!

2. HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce over time, so when reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing to bring back the creamy texture.

3. CAN I FREEZE THIS DISH?

Yes! Here’s how to freeze it properly:

• Before baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• After baking: Let the casserole cool completely before transferring portions into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in the oven or microwave.

4. HOW DO I REHEAT LEFTOVERS?

• Oven: Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Add a splash of milk or ranch dressing to keep it creamy, then heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until warmed through.

5. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS DISH SPICIER OR MILDER?

• To make it spicier: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes before baking. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce on top when serving.
• To make it milder: Use less hot sauce and replace some with extra ranch dressing or sour cream to balance the heat.

6. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PASTA?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but you can also use:

• Rotini (for extra sauce cling)
• Elbow macaroni (for a mac & cheese twist)
• Rigatoni (for a chunkier bite)

For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta or swap in cooked cauliflower.

7. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS DISH?

This pasta bake is already hearty, but it pairs well with:

• A crisp side salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for scooping up all the cheesy sauce
• Celery and carrot sticks (for that classic Buffalo wing combo!)

FINAL THOUGHTS & WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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• Author: Andrew Recipes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Description

A creamy, cheesy, and spicy pasta bake packed with Buffalo chicken flavor! This easy comfort food dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

✅ For the Pasta Bake:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta (or substitute with cooked cauliflower for a low-carb option)
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup ranch dressing
• ⅓ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1 (12.5-ounce) can chunk chicken breast, drained)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spray an 8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.

2️⃣ Cook the pasta:

Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

3️⃣ Prepare the Buffalo sauce mixture:

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Combine ingredients:

Add the shredded chicken, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and the cooked pasta to the sauce.

Stir until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ Assemble the casserole:

Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Mix the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese together and sprinkle evenly over the top.

6️⃣ Bake:

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7️⃣ Garnish & serve:

Remove from the oven and top with sliced green onions.

Optional: Drizzle with extra ranch dressing and hot sauce before serving.

Notes

• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for roasted cauliflower or spaghetti squash.
• Extra Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Meat Substitutes: Try this with rotisserie chicken for added flavor or even cooked ground turkey.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4-6