Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

$- 2 cups cooked penne pasta - 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken - 1 cup Buffalo sauce - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. Start with the cooked penne pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken. These make a strong base. The Buffalo sauce adds the spicy kick we love. Next, you’ll want to grab your dairy items. Cream cheese gives a smooth texture. Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness, while blue cheese brings a bold flavor. For extra flavor, don't skip the ranch dressing. It balances the spice of the Buffalo sauce. Chopped green onions are perfect for topping. They add color and a fresh taste. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. A drizzle of olive oil before baking helps crisp the top. This mix of ingredients will create a tasty, cheesy pasta bake that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Get a 9x13 inch baking dish ready. - In a big bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, and Buffalo sauce. - Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until it blends well. - Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. - Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top for extra flavor. - Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To make your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake shine, use high-quality Buffalo sauce. A good sauce adds depth and richness. Mix all your ingredients thoroughly. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Bake your dish until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This gives a nice crust on top. After you take it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Cooling helps the bake set, making it easier to serve. Make your dish look great by garnishing with chopped green onions. This adds color and freshness. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese on the side. It gives everyone a chance to add their own flavor kick. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, saving time and reducing waste. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your heat preference. For milder flavor, use less sauce or mix in some regular hot sauce. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick! Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve! {{image_2}} To change the heat in your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, consider two options. First, use a mild Buffalo sauce. This keeps the flavor while making it kid-friendly. Second, for those who love heat, add sliced jalapeños. They bring a nice kick to the dish. Just mix them in with the pasta and chicken. If you want to switch things up, try these ingredient swaps. You can use shredded turkey instead of chicken. This works great if you have leftover turkey. Another option is to swap blue cheese for feta cheese. If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, just leave it out. Your pasta will still taste fantastic! For a gluten-free version, swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pastas available today. They cook just like regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy this cheesy, spicy delight without worry! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly. You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven for the best results. The oven works best for even heating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Add a splash of broth before you heat it. This helps keep the pasta moist and tasty. Enjoy your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake warm and delicious! Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it before baking. Just mix all the ingredients, then cover it well in the baking dish. You can keep it in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This makes meal prep easy! You can serve this bake with several sides. Consider fresh side salads for a crunchy contrast. Garlic bread pairs well too, adding that buttery, crusty element. Coleslaw is a great choice as well; its creaminess complements the spicy pasta. If you want more heat, add hot sauce to the mix. You can also use a spicier Buffalo sauce. Another option is to fold in some chopped jalapeños. Each of these choices will give your dish a nice kick! This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You mix cooked penne, rotisserie chicken, and creamy cheeses, then bake until bubbly. Remember to use a good Buffalo sauce for the best flavor. You can adjust the spice and even switch ingredients based on your taste. This recipe allows for great leftovers, whether you refrigerate or freeze them. Enjoy making this dish, and happy cooking!$

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A delicious and creamy pasta bake featuring rotisserie chicken and a spicy Buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

2 cups cooked penne pasta
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup Buffalo sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup crumbled blue cheese
0.25 cup ranch dressing
0.5 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, and Buffalo sauce.
Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing to the bowl. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and blue cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Drizzle olive oil over the top for added flavor and crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.

Notes

Let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing for best presentation.

Keyword bake, Buffalo, cheesy, chicken, pasta