Description
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan wonder is perfect for game nights or cozy dinners, delivering an explosion of flavors in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can create a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (optional)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook diced chicken over medium heat until browned (7-10 minutes). Stir in buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cream cheese, ranch dressing (if using), shredded cheddar cheese, and the chicken mixture until well combined.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Swap pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed.
