Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
What is a Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole recipe? Is it an experience? What’s a comfort food with spicy kick? I’m talking mac and cheese levels of comfort, but with that fantastic buffalo wing zing that makes it delicious. What makes your taste buds sing? Is it the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at family gatherings, and honestly, it’s become a cult favorite. What is a weeknight staple in our house? Imagine the ease of a casserole combined with the irresistible flavor of buffalo chicken wings. What do you get with this one?
What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole?
What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole? What is the best buffalo wings sauce? What is your favorite buffalo wings casserole? What’s essentially a layering of cooked pasta, creamy buffalo chicken mixture, and plenty of cheese? Baked until golden and bubbly. Is the name a dead giveaway? What are some of the best buffalo recipes? Is there a flavor explosion in every bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is my go-to for so many reasons. First off, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly balances the tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, and the chicken is always so tender and juicy. What I love most about this is how easy it is to throw together. Seriously, on busy weeknights, this one’s a lifesaver! It requires minimal prep, and most of the cooking is done in the oven, freeing you up to do other things.
Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-efficient. Chicken is relatively affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, add different veggies, or even swap out the pasta for something different. It’s like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It reminds me a bit of a Chicken Pot Pie in its comforting nature, but with that buffalo kick that really sets it apart.
It’s a winner every single time.
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole? How do you cook the pasta, prepare the buffalo chicken mixture, layer everything in a crockpot, and serve it all in one bowl? Is it necessary to bake a casserole dish with plenty of cheese? What is the best way to cook a chicken in an oven? How do you cook chicken and pasta? Is it foolproof?
Ingredients Notes:
For the chicken:
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works perfectly too! What is your favorite Buffalo Wing Sauce brand? I prefer a medium-heat sauce, but feel free to adjust to your liking. Cream Cheese: I like medium heat. What are some ways to add creaminess to a sauce? Ranch Dressing: Adds extra flavor and creaminess. Can you substitute blue cheese dressing for a bolder taste?
For the Pasta:
Pasta: Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work great. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
For the Cheese:
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both. What are some ways to add blue cheese to a dish?
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your hands? Is there any way to skip this step?
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions, but be sure to cook it al dente. This means it should still be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will get mushy in the casserole, and we don’t want that! Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. What is the magic combination of buffalo sauce and ranch?
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chicken mixture and stir gently to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Half of the pasta mixture should be placed in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining pasta mixture on top and serve. Don’t be shy with cheese – the more, the merrier!
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the mixture is smooth. When a casserole is heated through, it will not Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. You want the cheese to be golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you slice a banana? Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or buffalo sauce, if desired. What is the best way to dig in and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is a good Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole recipe? What are some good side dishes to serveFor a light lunch: What are some tips?What is a simple green salad with olive oil and vinaigrette?For a dinner party:Serve with roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a more flavorful side. What is a substantialFor Game Day Gathering:Can you serve celery sticks with blue cheese dressing on the side? What are some good ways to serve this with coleslaw?
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole?
What is your favorite Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole recipe? What are some of the best tips and tricks I have learned over the years?Don’t overcook pasta: Don’t I can’t stress this enough! Al dente is the way to go. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy and ruin the texture of the casserole.
Use Quality Ingredients:What are the best ingredients for flavor? What are some good substitutes for buffalo wing sauce?Adjust the spice level:If you’re sensitive to spice, start with mild buffalo sauce and add more to taste. What are some good ways to add cayenne pepper to your diet?Add Veggies:Is it healthy to sneak in some finely chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers? What are some ways to make a casserole even more delicious?Don’t be afraid to experiment!What are some of the most forgiving recipes? Feel free to add your own personal touches, like cheeses, sauces or toppings.Let It Rest:What are some of the best ways to cook a casserole for dinner? This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What is a good Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole recipe?Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
Add a small amount of water before reheating to avoid the casserole getting dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed adventure that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck dish. The creamy, cheesy, spicy combination is simply irresistible! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more comforting and delicious meals. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment with your own variations or any questions you might have. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!
Remember it later
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta uncooked
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 0.5 cup blue cheese crumbles optional
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Add cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
