Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe)

If your family loves the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings but you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect solution. With tender pasta, shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese, this easy casserole brings the heat in the best way, without requiring you to fry a single thing!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: A Spicy, Creamy Family Favorite

As a busy mom juggling school drop-offs, dinner, and everything in between, I’m always on the hunt for one-dish meals that are quick, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. This pasta bake checks every box. Plus, it's easy to make ahead, customize to your spice level, and even freeze for later.

Let’s dive into the recipe and all the ways you can make this dish work for your family.

🧀 Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time and ready in under an hour.

Family-Friendly: Customize the spice level to suit kids or heat-lovers.

One-Pot Comfort: A filling meal with protein, carbs, and dairy all in one dish.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze one for a future dinner win.

📝 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy and creamy pasta bake:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best)

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect!)

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste; Frank’s RedHot is a great choice)

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if you prefer)

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: green onions, blue cheese crumbles, extra buffalo sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the sauce: In the same pot (less dishes!), add cream cheese over low heat and stir until it begins to melt. Add buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.

Combine it all: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the bake: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Garnish with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired. Serve hot!

🥗 What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This cheesy pasta bake is a full meal on its own, but if you want to balance it out, here are a few family-friendly side ideas:

Crisp garden salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing

Steamed broccoli or green beans

Garlic bread or Texas toast

Celery and carrot sticks (great for cooling off the heat!)

❄️ Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

To freeze before baking: Assemble in a disposable aluminum tray, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60-70 minutes, uncovering for the last 20 minutes.

To freeze after baking: Let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze in portions. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

To refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🔄 Variations & Add-Ins

Want to make it your own? Try these fun twists:

Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes before baking.

Swap the cheese: Use pepper jack for extra spice or Colby-Jack for a milder flavor.

No ranch fans? Use blue cheese dressing for a tangier bite.

Make it meatless: Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or roasted cauliflower.

💬 Reader Favorite Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"This is now in our weekly rotation! Even my picky eater asked for seconds. Thank you for the freezer tips, it made dinner so easy!" – Jennifer M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Perfect comfort food! We used leftover rotisserie chicken and added some spinach to sneak in veggies. So good!" – Ashley G.

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight, feeding a crowd, or looking for a comforting dish that’s a little spicy and a lot cheesy, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a total winner. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional pasta bakes and guaranteed to please buffalo chicken fans of all ages.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe or share it with another busy mama who needs a dinner win this week!

📌 Pin It for Later!

Give this a try this week and let me know how your family enjoyed it! Tag me on Instagram at @diana_chastain_ or pin this recipe to your favorite meal prep or easy family dinner recipes board on Pinterest @diananchastain.

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy