Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with a comforting pasta bake, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce penne pasta
- 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon sliced green onions
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
6. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional blue cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute whole grain pasta and low-fat cheeses. Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.