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For your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, gather these tasty items: - 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well) - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (grilled or rotisserie is best) - 1 cup buffalo sauce (use more or less for spice) - 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use any small pasta shape if you don’t have penne or rotini. - Substitute shredded turkey for chicken for a different taste. - Swap buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for less heat. - Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option. - Try cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor. To ensure your dish tastes great, follow these tips: - Choose fresh green onions with bright green tops for the best flavor. - Use cooked chicken that is moist and tender; rotisserie chicken is a great choice. - Check the expiration date on sauces and dairy products before using. - Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties. - For pasta, cook it al dente so it holds up well in the bake. This tasty dish is all about using fresh and flavorful ingredients. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to set the stage. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. Grab 2 cups of cooked pasta, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and your buffalo sauce. The flavor of the sauce is vital, so pick one you love. You'll also need ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now comes the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour in 1 cup of buffalo sauce. This gives the dish its signature kick. Next, add 1 cup of creamy ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t forget the 1/4 cup of sour cream! Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything well. You want each piece of pasta and chicken coated in that spicy goodness. Next, transfer your mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This helps with cooking. Now, top it off with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. This layer creates a cheesy crust that everyone loves. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to avoid burning the cheese. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and turn golden brown. Once it looks perfect, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Right before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! To control the heat in your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, you can modify the buffalo sauce amount. Start with one cup, then taste the mix. If you want more spice, add extra sauce. You can also use milder buffalo sauce brands for a gentler kick. For a cooler meal, swap some sauce for more sour cream. This will still give flavor but reduce heat. A creamy texture makes this dish stand out. Use ricotta cheese, which blends well with other ingredients. Adding sour cream helps too. Be sure to mix everything well for even creaminess. If the texture seems thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk can help. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. One common mistake is not mixing well. If you don't combine the ingredients, some bites will be dry. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the cheese to avoid burning. Also, don’t skip the foil. It keeps the cheese from getting too brown too fast. Lastly, remember to let the dish cool a bit before serving. This helps with cutting and serving. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the amount of buffalo sauce to your heat preference; start with less and add more for extra kick. Perfect Cheese Blend: Combine mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich, gooey topping, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and make serving easier. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the chicken with grilled veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work great. Use a plant-based buffalo sauce for flavor. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Mix all these ingredients with pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella. Bake as you would the original recipe. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap the pasta with gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great options. Make sure to check the buffalo sauce too. Some may contain gluten. With these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious meal without worry. Cheese can change the dish’s taste and texture. Try using cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor. Alternatively, mix in some pepper jack for extra heat. You can also use cream cheese for a richer texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Each combination will bring a new twist to your pasta bake. After enjoying your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, let it cool first. Then, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the flavors stay tasty and vibrant. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warm throughout. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option. Just heat in short bursts, stirring between, until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as directed above for a quick meal. No, using uncooked pasta is not best here. Cooking the pasta first helps it absorb the sauce. This way, the pasta becomes soft and flavorful. If you use uncooked pasta, it may not cook evenly. It might also soak up too much sauce and become dry. You can add more buffalo sauce to increase the heat. Start with an extra tablespoon and taste it. If you want more kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicier brand of buffalo sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, mix in some jalapeños or hot sauce. This dish goes well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Crisp celery sticks - Creamy ranch dressing - Fresh garden salad - Steamed broccoli - Garlic bread These sides balance the rich flavors of the pasta bake and add freshness to your meal. You learned about tasty ingredients, cooking steps, and valuable tips. Adjust spice levels and texture for your perfect dish. Try variations like vegetarian or gluten-free options for new flavors. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you can make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake shine every time. Happy cooking!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A delicious and spicy pasta bake featuring chicken, buffalo sauce, and a cheesy topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour in the buffalo sauce, followed by the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix all the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly combined and coated in sauce.
  • Once mixed, transfer the hearty pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula to ensure even cooking.
  • Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of the pasta dish, creating a cheesy crust.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and has developed a beautiful golden color.
  • Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve hot with additional green onions and buffalo sauce for garnish.
Keyword bake, buffalo sauce, chicken, pasta