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At the heart of this dish lies penne pasta, a popular choice due to its tubular shape and ridged surface. These characteristics are essential as they allow the sauce to cling beautifully, ensuring that each bite is infused with flavor. Penne’s sturdy texture holds up well during baking, making it an ideal candidate for a casserole-style dish. Furthermore, its versatility means it can easily be swapped out for other pasta types if desired, though penne remains a classic favorite for this recipe.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Spicy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! This delicious fusion combines creamy pasta with the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With interchangeable ingredients and customizable spice levels, it caters to everyone's taste buds. Enjoy the rich, indulgent layers and a crunchy topping that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or potlucks!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)

1 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)

1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup green onions, chopped (set aside some for garnishing)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)

Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the dish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a roaring boil. Carefully add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (typically around 10-12 minutes). Drain and set the pasta aside in a large bowl.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and buffalo wing sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is creamy and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.

        Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture. Next, fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese. Then, gently mix in the cooked penne pasta and chopped green onions, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking.

            Add Topping: Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. If you desire an added layer of crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.

              Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has formed a golden brown crust.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish the top with the reserved chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot and indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of your buffalo chicken pasta bake!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 6 servings