Need dinner fast but still want it really good? This 30 Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is my secret weapon. It’s spicy, cheesy, and ready before you know it.
The buffalo sauce brings the heat, and the creamy cheese balances it out. The chicken makes it hearty, and the pasta? Total comfort food. Everything bakes into one bubbly, golden dish.
It’s bold, rich, and super easy to throw together. You get that spicy kick in every bite, all wrapped in melty, creamy goodness. I swear, it tastes like it took hours.
Let’s bake it tonight. Just 30 minutes and one dish later—you’ve got dinner done. You’re gonna love how easy (and delicious) it is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Comforting: It’s got the spicy kick of buffalo wings but with a smooth, cheesy pasta twist.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Family-Friendly: It’s rich and flavorful without being overpowering, perfect for the whole table.
- Leftover-Friendly: Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully the next day.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
Serves 6 as a main dish. Easily doubled if you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers.
Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No complicated steps, just basic stovetop and oven work.
Required Kitchen Tools
- 1 large oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (for cheese, if not pre-shredded)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy, spicy pasta bake together (exact amounts are listed in the recipe card at the end):
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni all work well. Use what you have on hand.
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken works great to save time.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat level to your liking.
Dairy
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the heat.
- Cheddar Cheese: For that sharp, classic flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smooth and stretchy for the perfect cheesy topping.
Variations for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
- Add Ranch Seasoning: Mix in a tablespoon of dry ranch mix for that classic buffalo-ranch combo.
- Use Blue Cheese: Swap cheddar for crumbled blue cheese if you like stronger, tangy flavors.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños for more heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or sautéed bell peppers for color and texture.
- Swap Proteins: Try it with shredded turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu for a twist.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Step-by-Step
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or 9×13 baking dish. Boil water and cook pasta just until al dente—you don’t want it too soft since it will bake more later. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Stir gently until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it up.
3. Stir in the Chicken
Add your shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir until it’s fully coated and heated through.
4. Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix everything until well combined. Stir in half the cheddar and half the mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake with Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Let It Rest
Remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes scooping easier.
Serving and Decoration
This pasta bake is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with ranch or vinaigrette helps balance the spice.
- Garlic Bread: For soaking up that creamy buffalo sauce.
- Cool Sides: Sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, or a dollop of sour cream can help cool things down if it’s too spicy.
For a little color, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top just before serving.
Storing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish before or after baking. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk or water before heating to keep it creamy.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cook Pasta Just Al Dente: It’ll finish cooking in the oven, so undercooking slightly helps keep it from turning mushy.
- Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: This helps it melt evenly into the sauce.
- Taste the Sauce: Before adding pasta, taste the buffalo sauce mixture and adjust heat with more sauce or mellow it with a splash of milk.
- Even Cheese Melt: Shred your own cheese for better melting. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor.
Nutrition (Estimated per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 920mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
30 Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Course: Dinners, pasta recipes6
servings10
minutes20
minutes480
kcalIngredients
8 oz penne or rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe skillet or 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt cream cheese with buffalo sauce over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in shredded chicken until fully coated and warm.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella.
- Transfer to baking dish if needed. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta FAQs
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, shells, or elbows works well.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works too.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use a mild buffalo sauce or add a little ranch dressing or sour cream to the sauce to tame the heat.
Conclusion
This 30 Minute Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is one of those simple meals that tastes like you spent hours making it. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get bold flavor, rich creaminess, and a meal everyone at the table can agree on. It’s spicy, cheesy, and seriously comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
