There’s something about a baked pasta dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. But when you combine spicy buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and tender chicken, you get a next-level comfort meal: the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish checks every box — it’s creamy, high in protein, easy to prep, and most importantly, wildly flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something satisfying with a little kick, this recipe is your new go-to.
It brings the boldness of game-day wings into a cozy, cheesy casserole format that works any night of the week. With just a few pantry staples and 25 minutes start to finish, this dish turns your usual pasta dinner into something unforgettable.
Print
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: A Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy twist on your favorite comfort food. It’s packed with high-protein ingredients like shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese, then layered with melty mozzarella and cheddar. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked penne pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth, optional but recommended)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 packet ranch-style seasoning mix
1/3 cup buffalo-style hot sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onions (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just tender, then drain well.
3. If using, blend the cottage cheese until smooth to create a creamy texture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, hot sauce, and half of both cheeses until well combined.
5. Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
You can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce. For extra protein, use chickpea pasta. To make it ahead, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Stands Out
What makes this pasta bake so crave-worthy isn’t just the flavor — it’s how effortlessly everything comes together into a well-balanced dish that feels indulgent but secretly packs a nutritional punch. The spicy buffalo sauce lights up your taste buds, while the creamy base mellows things out and ties everything together.
This is more than just your average buffalo chicken dish. The addition of pasta makes it hearty and satisfying, while the cheesy topping delivers that bubbly, golden finish everyone loves. Unlike many heavy casseroles, this one uses clever swaps like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to keep things rich without feeling greasy.
And let’s not forget how family-friendly it is. Even if not everyone at the table is obsessed with spice, you can adjust the heat level by simply choosing a milder buffalo sauce — or go full heat mode for those who can handle it. It’s a versatile base you can build on again and again.
Ingredients That Balance Heat and Creaminess
The magic of this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake comes down to the way each ingredient plays its part. You start with penne pasta — sturdy enough to hold up under the weight of sauce and cheese. Then there’s the chicken: shredded, juicy, and perfect for soaking up flavor.
What takes this bake to the next level is the creamy blend of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Blending the cottage cheese smooth before adding it makes all the difference — no curds, just velvet-smooth texture. And the Greek yogurt not only adds protein, but also a tangy backbone that pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce.
Speaking of buffalo sauce, the type you choose can totally change the tone of the dish. For a milder flavor, go with a sauce that emphasizes buttery richness. If you like more heat, pick a bold, vinegar-forward variety. Either way, you’ll want just enough to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a cheesy pasta bake without the right cheeses. Mozzarella brings the melt, while sharp cheddar adds depth and that golden crust when baked. Together, they deliver just the right amount of gooeyness to pull everything together.
Secrets to Perfectly Baked Pasta Every Time
Baking pasta might sound simple, but there are a few smart moves that make all the difference. First, don’t overcook the pasta on the stove — aim for just barely tender, since it’ll continue softening in the oven. Nobody wants mushy pasta by the time it hits the table.
The next key is in how you mix everything. By stirring the sauce and cheese mixture thoroughly with the pasta and chicken before baking, you avoid dry patches or bland bites. This ensures that every bite is infused with flavor and creaminess.
To avoid drying out the dish in the oven, bake it just long enough to melt the cheese and heat everything through — about 15 minutes. The high oven temperature helps create that irresistible cheesy crust without overbaking the noodles.
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and lightly golden. A sprinkle of fresh green onions on top right after baking adds color and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Customizing Your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
What makes this pasta bake so fun is how adaptable it is. Want it cheesier? Go ahead and add an extra layer of cheese on top before baking — a mix of mozzarella and Colby Jack works great. If you’re feeding cheese lovers, there’s no such thing as too much cheese here.
To boost the nutrition, consider folding in a handful of spinach or steamed broccoli before baking. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra veggies without changing the flavor much. Bell peppers or finely chopped celery can add a fresh crunch that echoes classic buffalo wing flavors.
And if you’re all about the heat, this recipe is your playground. Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mix, or drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top before serving. You could even top it with crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy finish that true buffalo fans will appreciate.
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This pasta bake is a star on its own, but the right sides can turn it into a full spread. A simple green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing helps cool things down and adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy main.
If you want something heartier, try serving it with roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob. Their natural sweetness balances the heat perfectly.
For drinks, anything citrus-based works wonders. Lemonade, lime-infused sparkling water, or even a chilled glass of milk will tone down the spice while keeping the meal light.
The beauty of this dish is that it plays well with all kinds of sides, whether you’re going casual with chips and dip or dressing it up with homemade garlic bread. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Recipes Like This One You’ll Love
If you love this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll definitely want to try a few other cozy, craveable casseroles. One fan favorite is this Cheesy Chicken Dorito Casserole, which brings a fun, crunchy twist to the classic chicken bake — perfect for potlucks and picky eaters alike.
Another must-try is the Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake, a Tex-Mex inspired dish that layers beef, pasta, and taco flavors into a bubbly, golden dinner that’s ready in a flash.
These recipes follow the same winning formula: quick to prep, big on flavor, and comforting enough to make again and again.
FAQ: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Questions Answered
How do you make a buffalo chicken pasta bake recipe healthier?
Swap in whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta for extra fiber, and stick with Greek yogurt and blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim versions without losing flavor.
What’s the secret to extra creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake?
The secret is blending the cottage cheese until smooth and combining it with Greek yogurt before baking. This keeps the sauce rich and velvety while sneaking in extra protein.
How do I keep pasta from drying out in the oven?
Make sure your pasta is just slightly undercooked before baking, and mix it well with the sauce so every piece is coated. Bake only until the cheese is melted and bubbly — about 15 minutes at 400°F.
What’s the deal with the buffalo chicken pasta bake TikTok trend?
The TikTok version of this recipe blew up thanks to its creamy texture and bold flavor, often made with cream cheese and ranch. This version lightens it up a bit without sacrificing that signature spicy-creamy balance that made it go viral.
Conclusion: A Go-To Bake That Delivers Every Time
Once you try this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, it’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. It’s bold without being overpowering, comforting without being heavy, and customizable enough to suit any taste or diet. Whether you’re serving it up for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for a potluck, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level. Make it once — and get ready to crave it again and again.
For more successful recipes, you can visit our Pinterest account