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- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup cream cheese, softened These main ingredients form the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. The cooked pasta gives it a great base. I like to use penne or rotini. Both shapes hold the sauce well. The shredded chicken adds protein and taste. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. The buffalo sauce gives it a nice kick. Adjust it to your heat level. Cream cheese makes the dish creamy and rich. It binds everything together and adds smoothness. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup ranch dressing Cheese is key to a great pasta bake. I use cheddar for its sharp flavor and mozzarella for its stretch. Mixing both gives a fantastic taste and texture. Ranch dressing adds a cool touch and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. It makes the dish creamy and flavorful. - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: celery sticks for garnish Seasoning is important for a tasty dish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. I like to add chopped green onions for freshness. They bring a nice crunch and color on top. You can serve celery sticks on the side for a crisp bite. They also add a fun crunch to your meal. For the full recipe, you can check out the detailed instructions above. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. - In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and ranch dressing until combined. - Stir in shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and buffalo sauce until well coated. - Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. - Fold in the chopped green onions for added freshness. - Pour everything into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. - Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. - Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. - Look for a golden and bubbly top. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To get the perfect texture for pasta, cook it al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. It will soften more while baking. After cooking, drain it well and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve. If you cut it too soon, it may fall apart. You can adjust the heat of the dish by adding more or less buffalo sauce. If you like it spicy, add extra sauce. For a milder flavor, use less. You can also mix in some hot sauce if you want more kick. Consider adding veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and texture. They add color and nutrients. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder or onion powder for added depth. To complement your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, serve it with a fresh salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy dressing works well. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For presentation, serve the pasta bake in a nice dish. Top it with fresh green onions and a few celery sticks. This not only adds color but also gives a nice crunch. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up some ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. For cheese, you might try goat cheese or vegan cheese. These options still bring great flavor and texture. If you want to change the chicken, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds taste. For a plant-based dish, use tofu instead of chicken. Just make sure to season it well. There are different ways to cook this dish. You can use an Instant Pot or a slow cooker. Both methods keep the chicken moist and tender. If you are in a hurry, consider stovetop cooking. Boil the pasta and mix everything on the stove. This method is quicker but still delicious. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. It may change the texture a bit, but it still works well. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and tofu. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. To store your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. If you want to freeze the pasta bake, first let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For easy meals during the week, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Mix the ingredients together and store them in the fridge. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you’re ready to bake. This helps the pasta stay firm and not mushy. You can also assemble the entire dish a day before baking. Just cover it well and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready, pop it in the oven. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. To add more heat, use extra buffalo sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños for a kick. Consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat level for your dish. Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can microwave it or leave it in the fridge overnight. Shred the chicken after it is fully thawed. This makes it easier to mix with the other ingredients. Penne and rotini are great options. They hold the sauce well and bake nicely. Other good choices include fusilli or rigatoni. These shapes trap cheese and sauce, giving you more flavor in every bite. Look for bubbly cheese on top. The edges should be golden brown. You can also insert a knife; it should come out hot. If everything looks good, it's ready to enjoy! Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also use sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Adjust the buffalo sauce to fit your taste. With these changes, you can enjoy a tasty vegetarian dish. This blog post guides you through making a tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for flavor and storage. You can customize the dish by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this recipe offers great options. Enjoy trying different flavors and variations. Get creative! Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake will surely impress.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! This cheesy and spicy dish combines cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauces, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for dinner or a game day treat, it's easy to prep and packed with flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a must-try! Click through to discover how to make this delicious bake and wow your guests today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup chopped green onions

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: celery sticks for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until well combined.

      Add in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, buffalo sauce, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.

        Season with salt and pepper to taste, and fold in the chopped green onions.

          Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

            Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, layering them generously on top.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra flavor, drizzle a bit more buffalo sauce on top if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta bake hot, garnished with chopped green onions and celery sticks on the side.