Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe | Creamy, Spicy Casserole with Chicken & Ranch
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick. Tender pasta is tossed with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and a rich blend of cream cheese and cheddar, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this one-dish wonder is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced celery or bell peppers
- Jalapeños
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, half the cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and combined.
- Mix sauce with cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Pour into baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and optional blue cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave with splash of milk.
- Cover with foil when reheating to prevent drying.
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Reduce buffalo sauce or mix with ranch for kid-friendly version.