Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This buffalo chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s perfect for any occasion! Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta combined with tender, spicy chicken and topped with a crunchy sprinkle of blue cheese. Doesn’t that sound delightful? You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dish, especially with shredded rotisserie chicken that speeds up the cooking process. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike. Each mouthful balances that iconic buffalo chicken taste with the richness of creamy Alfredo sauce, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Trust me, everyone will be asking for your recipe after they dig into this mouthwatering bake.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
• Ingredients
• Creating the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
• Boil the Dairy
• Add Flavoring
• Thicken the Sauce
• Incorporate Cheese
• Preparing the Pasta Bake
• Preheat the Oven
• Cook the Campanelle Pasta
• Combine Ingredients
• Transfer to the Baking Dish
• Bake to Perfection
• Add Final Touches
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Now, let’s chat a bit about why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table. With its perfect blend of textures and flavors, it’s not just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hug that warms your heart. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

This buffalo chicken pasta bake seamlessly combines rich flavors and textures, bringing together the classic taste of buffalo chicken with creamy pasta. The use of shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy, while the creamy Alfredo sauce ties everything together beautifully. The balance of tangy blue cheese and spicy buffalo wing sauce ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, making this dish a sure-fire hit at any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

If you’re a fan of comfort food that packs a punch, this buffalo chicken pasta bake is for you. It’s indulgent yet easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings with friends and family. With its delightful combination of flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

To make this delicious buffalo chicken pasta bake, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 box Barilla® Campanelle pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Minced carrot (optional for garnish)
• Minced celery (optional for garnish)
• Additional buffalo wing sauce (optional for garnish)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano cheese

Creating the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Boil the Dairy

Start by bringing 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream to a rolling boil over medium heat.

Add Flavoring

Once boiling, lower the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water until combined. Gradually add this mixture to the saucepan while stirring well. Sprinkle in salt to taste, letting it simmer for two minutes.

Incorporate Cheese

After two minutes, turn off the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano cheese until it melts into a creamy delight.

Preparing the Pasta Bake

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for later.

Cook the Campanelle Pasta

In a large pot, bring 4 to 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Don’t forget to add salt! Toss in your box of Campanelle pasta, stirring gently, and cook it for about 8 minutes. Drain well and toss with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Combine Ingredients

Now, in a large mixing bowl, you’ll combine the cooked pasta, 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, the creamy Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything until it’s well combined.

Transfer to the Baking Dish

Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. For that melty goodness on top, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the crumbled blue cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You want it heated through with the cheese beautifully melted and bubbly.

Add Final Touches

Before serving, jazz it up with sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, minced carrot, minced celery, or some extra buffalo wing sauce if you like it spicy!

Serving Suggestions

This buffalo chicken pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some warm garlic bread. Don’t forget to grab a cold beverage to balance the spice of your succulent dish!

Tips for Success

To get the perfect bake, make sure your pasta is al dente; this will prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven. If you like more spice, feel free to adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste. You can also prepare this meal ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator; then, simply reheat it before serving.

Variations

Looking to change things up? You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken with cooked ground turkey or beef for a different protein option. Or, for a healthier twist, focus on whole wheat pasta and lower-fat dairy products.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven covered with foil to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne or rigatoni will work well.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve.

4. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your choice of buffalo wing sauce. Mild varieties are available for those who prefer less heat.

5. How do leftovers reheat best?
For best texture, reheat in the oven. You can also use the microwave, but it might make the dish a bit softer.

This buffalo chicken pasta bake not only highlights rich and bold flavors but also delivers comfort in every bite. Whether for a casual night in or a special gathering, it’s a dish that will please a crowd and earn a place in your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy the deliciousness and don’t forget to share the love with your family and friends—there’s plenty to go around!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Butter Stuffed Dates
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Garlic Butter Salmon

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