Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy and packed with that signature Buffalo heat in every bite. It combines tender pasta, diced chicken, cream cheese and a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for the ultimate comfort dish with a spicy twist.
It's the best parts of Buffalo chicken dip turned into a cheesy, bubbling pasta bake - just add a fork instead of chips. Game day, a chilly weeknight or if you are craving something bold and cozy, this pasta is guaranteed to hit the spot.
For more cozy pasta bakes try our Baked Feta Pasta or our Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
"I love Buffalo chicken, so I was thrilled to find this recipe. The cheesiness is unreal, and we added a little extra hot sauce for more spice. Can't wait to make it again!"
-Seija
Ingredients
With straightforward ingredients and a quick stovetop start, this Buffalo pasta bakes up warm and comforting in the oven.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Rigatoni Pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly in every bite.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy base.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds tangy flavor that pairs well with the heat.
- Milk: Loosens the sauce and adds creaminess.
- Frank's Hot Sauce: Spicy, tangy and bold, use your favorite.
- Precooked Chicken: Shredded or diced boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and a little color contrast.
Grab yourself a large skillet, 9x13 casserole dish, some measuring cups and spoons and a spatula to get this simple dinner in the oven.
Variations
- Ranch: Swap the blue cheese dressing for ranch dressing if that's your thing.
- Less Heat: Use mild buffalo sauce or cut the amount in half for just a little spice.
- Extra Creamy: Add ¼ cup sour cream or a splash of chicken broth for a looser sauce.
- More Protein: Stir in cooked bacon or additional chicken pieces. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs too.
- Pasta Swap: Penne pasta, bow tie or shells all work perfectly.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Look at how easily this flavorful meal comes together in a few steps.
Preheat oven to 375F and lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
Start cooking pasta to al dente based on package directions, then prep the sauce.
Add cream cheese, blue cheese dressing and Frank's Buffalo sauce to a large skillet over medium heat and mix until combined (press down the cubes of cream cheese to incorporate faster).
Add precooked chicken and one cup of each shredded cheese and melt.
Remove from heat and pour in milk, stir to combine.
Once pasta is cooked save 1 cup of pasta water if desired for thinning later. Transfer strained, cooked pasta to the pan and mix until fully coated.
Pour into prepared baking dish and top with remaining shredded cheeses.
Bake for about 15 minutes until cheese on top is fully melted and bubbling.
Hint: Using warmed chicken helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. If your chicken is cold, warm it briefly in the skillet before adding the shredded cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the Spice: Start with less half and add more to taste.
- Add Texture: Blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onion or crushed Ritz crackers on top makes a fun twist.
- Mixed in a Bowl: You can use a bowl instead to mix everything together, just cook it a little longer to ensure it is warmed through.
Our Baked Mac and Cheese is easily one of the crowd favorites around here.
More Mains
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk until creamy again.
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Garlic Bread, Sauteed Green Beans with Shallots and Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Pot Luck Style: Slow Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese, Stove Top Chili and Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
Yes! It's a great shortcut and makes the recipe even easier.
In our experience, no, but you can always tone it down by using less Buffalo sauce or mixing in a bit more cream cheese.
Ranch salad dressing gives a slightly different flavor but still complements spicy sauce perfectly.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Large Pot and Strainer
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta dry measurement
- 2 8- ounce bricks cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup Frank's buffalo sauce
- 1 lb chicken cooked and diced (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded, divided
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Start cooking pasta to al dente based on package directions, then prep the sauce.
- Add cream cheese, blue cheese dressing and Frank's Buffalo sauce to a large skillet over medium heat and mix until combined (press down the cubes of cream cheese to incorporate faster).
- Add precooked chicken and one cup of each shredded cheese and melt.
- Remove from heat and pour in milk, stir to combine.
- Once pasta is cooked save 1 cup of pasta water if desired for thinning later. Transfer strained, cooked pasta to the pan and mix until fully coated.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and top with remaining shredded cheeses.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until cheese on top is fully melted and bubbling.
Notes
- Warm your Chicken: Using warmed chicken helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. If your chicken is cold, warm it briefly in the skillet before adding the shredded cheese.
- Adjust the Spice:Start with less half and add more to taste.
- Add Texture:Blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onion or crushed Ritz crackers on top makes a fun twist.
- Mixed in a Bowl:You can use a bowl instead to mix everything together, just cook it a little longer to ensure it is warmed through.
Nutrition
Your feedback means so much! Please take a moment to rate and review this recipe if you've tried it.
I love Buffalo chicken, so I was thrilled to find this recipe. The cheesiness is unreal, and we added a little extra hot sauce for more spice. Can’t wait to make it again!
This is a staple over here too. So happy that you enjoyed it!
Yum yum, another great meal recipe.
Thanks
Thanks for the review! Glad you liked it.
I don’t even know where to begin with this one. There is so much flavor, it is so simple to make and easy to customize the spice level. We love making this.