Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy, Creamy & Spicy

Craving the bold, zesty flavor of buffalo wings but need a comforting, family-friendly dinner? You’ve come to the right place. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake brings together everything you love, tender pasta, spicy buffalo sauce, and lots of creamy, melted cheese, all baked into one warm and satisfying dish.

It’s the perfect mix of heat and comfort. Imagine creamy buffalo chicken pasta loaded with shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, and melty Monterey Jack, then topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbling. The flavor is bold, the texture is rich, and every bite feels like a cozy upgrade of your favorite game day snack.

Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual get-together, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed hit. Keep reading for the simple steps, helpful tips, and make-ahead options that make this dish even better.

If you love spicy, comforting meals like this, you’ll also enjoy our Fajita Chicken Casserole, packed with Tex-Mex flavor and melty cheese in every bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, whether you’re making dinner for your family or feeding a crowd. Here’s why it stands out:

• Perfectly Spicy & Creamy: The sauce delivers bold buffalo flavor with just the right amount of heat. Thanks to Frank’s RedHot, sour cream, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack, you get a smooth, cheesy base that coats every bite of pasta.
• Easy Weeknight Winner: This is the kind of easy weeknight pasta bake you can count on. With pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and basic pantry ingredients, the whole dish comes together in under an hour. It’s low-stress and high-reward.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Whether it’s a casual dinner or game day, this casserole is always a hit. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor that even picky eaters enjoy. It’s great for sharing and perfect for potlucks.
• Crispy, Crunchy Topping: Don’t skip the buttery panko topping. It bakes up golden and crisp, giving the creamy pasta a satisfying crunch in every forkful. That extra layer of texture takes this casserole from good to unforgettable.

If you love creamy buffalo chicken pasta but want it baked with a delicious twist, this recipe delivers in every way.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake plays a key role in creating its creamy texture, spicy flavor, and comforting feel. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish work and how you can make easy swaps without sacrificing taste.

The Pasta

• Rigatoni or Penne are ideal choices for this bake. Their ridges and hollow centers hold onto the creamy buffalo sauce, delivering bold flavor in every bite. They’re sturdy enough to handle the baking process without turning mushy. If you don’t have these on hand, ziti, cavatappi, or even rotini are great substitutes. Avoid delicate pasta shapes, which can break apart easily.

The Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Frank’s RedHot is the classic buffalo wing sauce and adds that iconic tangy heat. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it; use less for a mild dish or more for a fiery kick.
• Cream cheese gives the sauce a rich, velvety base, while sour cream adds tang and lightens up the texture. Full-fat versions melt better and give the creamiest results.
• Milk, either whole or 2%, helps thin out the sauce to a pourable consistency. It’s not too heavy but still supports the creamy texture. Avoid skim milk, which may result in a watery sauce.

The Cheeses

• Monterey Jack is known for melting beautifully, making it perfect for casseroles like this one. If you want a different flavor, try mild cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Blue cheese is optional but adds a bold, tangy note that enhances the buffalo flavor. It’s a classic pairing with buffalo sauce. If it’s not your thing, feel free to leave it out, your creamy buffalo chicken pasta will still be delicious.
• For another cheesy favorite with a twist, don’t miss this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. It’s a fun and flavorful mashup your whole family will love.

The Chicken

• Using cooked, shredded chicken makes this recipe fast and easy. A rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken works perfectly. This shortcut keeps prep time down while still delivering great flavor. It’s a huge win for anyone craving a quick shredded chicken pasta bake.
• This dish also pairs well with creamy classics like our Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole for a well-rounded weeknight rotation.

The Panko Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. They give the dish a crunchy, golden finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath. Mix them with a little melted butter before baking for the best texture.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake (Step-by-Step)

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is simple to make when broken down into a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a foolproof, creamy, and flavorful result every time. For best results, pair each step with clear, high-quality process photos that show what each stage should look like.

1. Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Move the oven rack to the center position. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of rigatoni or penne for 1 minute less than the package directions; this keeps it slightly undercooked (al dente). The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from getting mushy. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.

2. Create the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat 1¼ cups of milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, stirring constantly as it melts. Once the cream cheese is smooth, whisk in 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Continue whisking gently until the sauce is completely smooth and thick. This step is important to avoid lumps. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 4 ounces of blue cheese, if using. Mix until fully melted and creamy.

3. Combine Everything

To the pot with the cooked pasta, add 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Pour the hot buffalo cheese sauce over the top. Gently fold everything together using a large spoon or spatula, making sure the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce.

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Transfer the buffalo chicken pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula. Make sure the pasta is in an even layer so it bakes uniformly.

5. Prepare the Topping & Bake

In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta in an even layer. This step adds a crispy golden topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden and crisp. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake from good to great? These expert tips will help you get the best texture, flavor, and consistency every time.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente, meaning just slightly firm. Since the pasta continues to cook in the oven, this helps prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy after baking.
• Use Room Temperature Dairy: Let your cream cheese, sour cream, and milk sit out for a few minutes before using. Cold ingredients can cause lumps in the sauce. Room-temperature dairy melts and blends more smoothly, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may seem convenient, but it often contains anti-caking additives that affect how it melts. For the best melt and flavor, buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself.
• Control the Heat: This dish packs bold flavor, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Start with the suggested amount of Frank’s RedHot. After baking, taste it and drizzle more on top if you want extra heat.

These small adjustments make a big difference in how your casserole turns out.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake pairs perfectly with a cooling side to balance the bold flavors. A crisp green salad dressed with ranch or blue cheese is a classic match. The creaminess of the dressing helps mellow the heat from the buffalo sauce and adds a refreshing bite between forkfuls.

You can also serve this pasta bake with celery and carrot sticks, just like you would with buffalo wings. They add crunch, color, and a cooling contrast that complements the creamy, spicy pasta.

Looking for a cozy, creamy dinner idea? Try our Swiss Chicken Casserole, it’s another reader favorite full of flavor and comfort.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake FAQs

A Spicy Twist on Comfort Food You’ll Make Again and Again

And there you have it! A creamy, spicy, and unbelievably satisfying Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s bold, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, yet easy enough to make on a busy evening. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to share on game day, this bake is sure to be a favorite.

Craving more bold and family-friendly casseroles? Check out our Walking Taco Casserole for a crowd-pleasing, zesty option.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below! Your feedback is so helpful for me and for other readers who are thinking of trying it out.

And if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see how your pasta bake turns out and share it with our food-loving community!

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