Best 2 Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipes

Indulge in a flavor-packed culinary experience with our tantalizing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. This delectable dish combines the bold and tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Get ready to embark on a taste bud adventure with this irresistible fusion of classic comfort food and spicy indulgence.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through three irresistible variations of this beloved dish. Master the art of creating a classic Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, featuring juicy chicken smothered in a fiery buffalo sauce, nestled amidst perfectly cooked pasta and topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust. Alternatively, explore the lighter, yet equally flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Lightened Up), where we introduce Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier twist without compromising on taste.

For those seeking an extra kick of heat, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to satisfy. Amp up the spice level with a combination of cayenne pepper and habanero sauce, creating a dish that demands your full attention and rewards you with each fiery bite.

Each recipe is meticulously detailed with easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring success in your culinary endeavor. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find the guidance you need to create this mouthwatering dish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake experience.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake image

Sure, 10-cent wing night at your local pub is a blast, but a night at home with a clever casserole can't be beat. Not fond of blue cheese? Use ranch salad dressing on this buffalo chicken pasta bake instead. -Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup blue cheese salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, saute chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until no longer pink. Remove from skillet. In same skillet, saute carrots, celery and onion in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat., Preheat oven to 350°. Stir in salad dressing, mayonnaise and hot sauce into skillet. Drain pasta. Add pasta and chicken to skillet; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs. Drizzle with butter., Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 719 calories, Fat 45g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 73mg cholesterol, Sodium 586mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake image

This spicy pasta bake is so simple -- a quick and easy dish that everyone will love. In lieu of baking, you can also just mix the pasta with the creamy, cheesy sauce and have dinner ready even faster. This recipe basically gives you the directions for two different meals!

Provided by Diana71

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Gouda cheese
1 teaspoon potato starch
1 cup panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking pan.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter and warm olive oil together in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, onion, and garlic and cook until chicken is heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour in cream and buffalo sauce. Mix well and heat through.
Combine mozzarella and Gouda cheeses in a bowl. Sprinkle in potato starch. Add mixture to sauce and stir constantly until cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Add fettuccine and mix to combine. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking pan.
Combine 3 tablespoons melted butter and panko bread crumbs in a small bowl and sprinkle on top of the noodles. Top with Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and browned, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 557.5 calories, Carbohydrate 46.3 g, Cholesterol 110.6 mg, Fat 34.2 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 22.3 g, SaturatedFat 18.1 g, Sodium 926 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

Tips:

For a creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
If you like your pasta spicy, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
To make the dish even more cheesy, top it with a layer of mozzarella or cheddar cheese before baking.
If you don't have any cooked chicken on hand, you can use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Buffalo chicken pasta bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it spicy or mild, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.