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.
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
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