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- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions This dish starts with simple pasta. I use penne, but any pasta works. Next, I add cooked and shredded chicken, which you can buy pre-cooked for ease. The buffalo sauce gives this dish its kick. You can adjust the heat to match your taste. Cream cheese makes the sauce rich and smooth, while sharp cheddar and mozzarella add gooeyness. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle some on top for a tangy flavor. Don’t forget the garlic and onion powders. They boost the taste without adding extra work. Lastly, season with salt and pepper. Fresh green onions add color and crunch when you serve the dish. Each ingredient plays a part in making this pasta bake creamy and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for cooking the pasta bake evenly. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. This helps the pasta hold its shape when mixed. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all well until the cream cheese blends smoothly into the chicken and sauce. Now, gently fold in the cooked penne pasta. Add half of the 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy buffalo sauce mixture. This is where the flavors start to come together. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour your pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures that every bite has flavor. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. If you like, add ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor. This will give your dish a great cheesy crust. Place the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. You want a nice golden color on top. This step makes everything warm and inviting. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh green onions. This adds a fresh pop of color and a nice crunch. Enjoy your tasty creation! For this dish, you can use cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great. It saves time and adds flavor. If you want, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs. Just boil or bake them until done. Shred the chicken into small pieces for easy mixing. The buffalo sauce gives this dish its kick. You can adjust the heat to fit your taste. If you like it mild, use less sauce. For more heat, add extra sauce or use a hotter brand. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper for a more intense flavor. Always taste as you go! Cheese adds creaminess and flavor. I recommend using sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt well and taste amazing. If you want a tangy note, add blue cheese. It pairs well with buffalo sauce. You can also try pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist. Mix and match to find your favorite blend! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but you can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken for added flavor. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to customize the amount of buffalo sauce to match your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate, then bake when you're ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Swap the chicken for cooked lentils or chickpeas. Use your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or spinach. Replace the buffalo sauce with a spicy BBQ sauce for a new flavor. This way, you still get a rich, creamy bake without the meat. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Make sure your buffalo sauce is also gluten-free. Check the label to avoid hidden gluten. This will keep your dish safe and delicious for everyone. You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey or shredded pork works well. Make sure to cook them fully before mixing with the other ingredients. This gives you a new twist on the classic dish and can suit any taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta bake cool down first. Then, place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps the flavors intact. To reheat, use your oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check if it's hot all the way through. If using a microwave, heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Cut it into serving sizes before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a tasty meal later. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Bowtie or rotini work well. They hold sauce nicely. Just cook them according to package directions. This ensures they stay al dente. To make it spicier, add more buffalo sauce. You can also mix in hot sauce. Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper adds heat too. Adjust to your taste for the right kick. Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. It saves time on busy days. This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad. Try serving it with veggie sticks and ranch dressing. A light fruit salad also adds a nice touch. These sides balance the rich flavors. Yes, you can use a slow cooker! Mix all ingredients as usual. Pour into the slow cooker and cook on low. This method keeps the dish moist and flavorful. Just remember to check for doneness. This dish blends pasta, chicken, and cheese for a tasty meal. You can easily adjust spice, switch proteins, or make it vegetarian. Don't forget the tips on storing leftovers for later. Enjoy creating a dish everyone will love. Cooking is fun, and sharing food brings joy. So grab your ingredients and get started on this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake!

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A delicious and creamy pasta bake featuring shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  • Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and all of the mozzarella cheese. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy buffalo sauce mixture.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. If desired, add the blue cheese crumbles for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel. Drizzle additional buffalo sauce on top before garnishing with green onions.
Keyword bake, buffalo, cheesy, chicken, pasta