Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

If you love Buffalo chicken wings and creamy pasta dishes, this Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort meal. Combining tender shredded chicken, al dente pasta, spicy buffalo sauce, and a blanket of gooey cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a hearty weeknight dinner.

Unlike traditional pasta bakes that can be dry or overly saucy, this recipe balances creamy richness with zesty heat, ensuring every bite is flavorful, melty, and satisfying. It’s also incredibly versatile — you can adjust the spice, cheese, or pasta type to suit your family’s preferences.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Comfort food favorite: Combines cheesy pasta with spicy buffalo chicken.
• Family-friendly: Serve mild or spicy to please everyone.
• One-bake convenience: Assemble in one dish and bake for minimal cleanup.
• Flexible: Can swap pasta types or add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
• Meal prep friendly: Makes great leftovers that reheat well.

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INGREDIENTS

For the Pasta Bake

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Extra cheddar or mozzarella
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped parsley or cilantro

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INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 — Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 — Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
4. Add cooked pasta and 1 cup of cheddar and mozzarella. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3 — Assemble the Bake

5. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 4 — Bake

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 5 — Serve

8. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or crumbled blue cheese if desired.
10. Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce on the side.

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Tips for Perfection

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese to the pasta mixture.
• Adjust buffalo sauce depending on heat preference.
• Let the bake rest 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

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Flavor Variations

Variation	Change	Result
Cheesy Extra	Add 1 cup more mozzarella	Extra gooey, cheesy goodness
Mild	Reduce buffalo sauce	Kid-friendly version
Veggie Boost	Add roasted broccoli or bell peppers	Balanced, hearty bake
Blue Cheese	Mix crumbled blue cheese into filling	Tangy, classic buffalo flavor
Spicy Kick	Add cayenne pepper	Extra heat for spice lovers

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Serving Ideas

• Serve with a simple green salad for balance.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty dinner.
• Portion into meal prep containers for a quick lunch.

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Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Can also freeze unbaked for 2 months; bake directly from frozen (add 10–15 minutes).

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