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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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A quick and easy creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake combining spicy buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and tangy blue cheese, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh scallions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 3–4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
  • Optional: ranch dressing for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add softened cream cheese cut into cubes to the skillet. Stir gently until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce and 1 cup milk or half-and-half. Stir constantly to combine and let the sauce thicken slightly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Fold in 3 cups cooked shredded chicken and 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese. Stir carefully to distribute cheese while keeping some chunks intact.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.
  7. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle thinly sliced scallions over the top.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and juiciness. Soften cream cheese before melting to avoid lumps. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overbaking to keep sauce creamy. Optional cayenne or ranch dressing can enhance flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, pasta bake, creamy buffalo sauce, blue cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, baked pasta

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/