1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Dump-and-Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Dump-and-Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This one-dish pasta bake combines uncooked pasta with rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese for an easy meal that bakes all at once with minimal prep.
A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:37:58 GMT
A creamy baked pasta dish with penne, chicken, diced tomatoes, and topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Jump To Recipe
A creamy baked pasta dish with penne, chicken, diced tomatoes, and topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions. Pin it
A creamy baked pasta dish with penne, chicken, diced tomatoes, and topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions. | quickierecipe.com

Let me share my favorite dump-and-bake buffalo chicken pasta recipe with you! This dish has been such a game-changer in my kitchen. With just 10 minutes of prep the oven does all the work creating this incredibly creamy zesty casserole that my family absolutely loves.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What I love most about this recipe is how effortless it is. There's no need to pre-boil pasta or pre-cook anything else just combine everything in one dish and let it bake. Plus you can easily adjust the spice level to make everyone happy.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken Broth: 3 cups of flavorful broth, essential for cooking the pasta and creating a creamy base.
  • Buffalo Sauce: 1 cup of Frank's RedHot or mild buffalo wing sauce for that iconic tangy and spicy kick.
  • Ranch Dressing: ½ cup for a creamy, savory balance (or use blue cheese dressing for a bolder flavor).
  • Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced; use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked leftovers.
  • Penne Pasta: 2 cups, uncooked; absorbs flavors while baking.
  • Petite-Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), drained, for added texture and flavor.
  • Celery: 1 cup, finely diced, for a classic buffalo pairing.
  • Cheese: 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella, grated, for a gooey topping.

Let's Make It Together

Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and seasonings in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Add Ingredients
Stir in the uncooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and celery until evenly combined.
Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until pasta is tender.
Add Cheese
Stir the pasta mixture, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes or until melted.
Garnish and Serve
Let rest for a few minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and drizzle extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing before serving.

Make It Your Own

I love how flexible this recipe is! Sometimes I use different pasta shapes or throw in extra vegetables like peas or peppers. If my kids are eating it I'll use less buffalo sauce and when I want extra heat I'll add some red pepper flakes.

Perfect Pairings

We love serving this with a side of garlic bread or cornbread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or some steamed broccoli balances out the richness perfectly. My family especially loves it with homemade biscuits on the side.

Keep It Fresh

This pasta stays good in the fridge for about 4 days. I like reheating it in the oven to keep the cheese nice and melty but the microwave works too for quick lunches. Just avoid freezing it the texture isn't quite the same after thawing.

My Best Tips

Always check your pasta for doneness towards the end of baking you want it al dente. If you're serving kids start with mild buffalo sauce you can always add more heat later. I love finishing it with fresh herbs they add such nice color and flavor.

Plan Ahead

This is perfect for meal prep! I often assemble everything the night before cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit out for a bit before baking so it cooks evenly.

Try Something Different

Sometimes I make a vegetarian version with white beans instead of chicken. Blue cheese crumbles make an amazing substitute for the shredded cheese if you want that classic buffalo wing flavor. Adding extra veggies like zucchini or spinach makes it even more nutritious.

Why This Works So Well

The magic of this recipe is how everything comes together in one dish. All those flavors meld together while it bakes creating something truly special. Plus cleanup is a breeze which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

A bowl of creamy pasta with penne noodles, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, and sprinkled parsley, accompanied by a small dish of sauce. Pin it
A bowl of creamy pasta with penne noodles, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, and sprinkled parsley, accompanied by a small dish of sauce. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, use mild buffalo sauce or reduce amount and increase chicken broth. You can add extra buffalo sauce to individual servings later.
→ How do I know when it's done?
Pasta should be al dente - firm but cooked through. Cooking time varies by pan type; glass dishes take longer than metal.
→ Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, start with 1 lb raw chicken, boil 10-15 minutes until cooked, then dice or shred for the recipe.
→ Why cover with foil?
Covering while baking keeps moisture in so pasta can cook properly. Only remove cover to add cheese at the end.
→ What if I use low-sodium broth?
Add extra salt to the sauce as pasta needs some salt for proper flavor while cooking.

Dump-and-Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken pasta that requires no pre-cooking - just combine ingredients and bake in one dish for an easy dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 3 cups chicken broth.
02 3/4 cup Ranch or blue cheese dressing.
03 3/4 cup buffalo sauce.
04 1 teaspoon dried chives.
05 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes.
06 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed.
08 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
09 Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
10 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken.
11 16 ounces uncooked penne pasta.
12 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes, drained.
13 1 stalk celery, finely diced.
14 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
15 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease 13x9-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Whisk together broth, dressing, buffalo sauce and seasonings in baking dish.

Step 03

Stir in chicken, pasta, tomatoes and celery until evenly distributed.

Step 04

Cover with foil, bake for 40 minutes until pasta is almost done.

Step 05

Uncover, add cheese and bake for 5 minutes more. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Can adjust spice level.
  2. Cooking time varies by pan type.
  3. Can use raw chicken if pre-cooked.

Tools You'll Need

  • 13x9-inch baking dish.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, dressing).
  • Wheat (pasta).
  • Eggs (in dressing).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 441
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 23 g