Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti features shredded chicken and noodles tossed together in a creamy buffalo sauce, and it’s all topped off with gooey mozzarella cheese! My family practically begs for this ziti, especially on game day. The best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes to prep!
There’s just something about cheesy buffalo chicken pasta that screams Superbowl Sunday! With that being said, this chicken baked ziti recipe has become a weeknight staple in my house. My kids are obsessed with mac and cheese, so making this is like serving them the ultimate elevated chicken mac and cheese. To say they’re obsessed would be an understatement!
What’s in buffalo chicken baked ziti?
This buffalo chicken pasta bake is so easy to make with a handful of budget friendly ingredients! I can usually toss it together with ingredients that I already have on hand.
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or bow tie pasta would also work well. Make sure to cook and drain the noodles before stirring them into the buffalo chicken dip mixture.
- Shredded Chicken: I always keep some shredded chicken in the fridge for recipes like this. A rotisserie chicken also works great.
- Ranch Seasoning: If you’re anything like me, you always have some ranch seasoning on hand. This is one of those seasoning blends that just adds magic to everything it touches!
What’s the best cheese for this pasta bake?
For this buffalo chicken baked ziti recipe, I like to use mozzarella. Another classic cheese that goes well with buffalo flavor is blue cheese, but not everyone is a fan.
I’ve also used plain cheddar cheese in this recipe before when I was out of mozzarella and it worked perfectly.
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How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the fridge for 30 seconds at a time until warmed all the way through.
How to Freeze
Let the chicken baked ziti fully cool to room temperature prior to freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’ll need to defrost in the fridge for a few hours prior to reheating.
Notes and Tips
- Cook the pasta just to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the bake. This will prevent your pasta being too soft!
- If you’re cooking a bigger batch, use your mixer to shred the chicken! It’s so easy and takes only 30 seconds. It’s the only way I shred chicken anymore.
- Top with green onions or chives and crumbled blue cheese.
- You can add a little more or less hot sauce to adjust it to your own preference. When I’m making this for my kids, I usually half the amount of hot sauce. When I’m making it for friends on game day, I double the amount!
Top Reader Review
“So easy and delicious!!” – Tracy
Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dry ziti pasta ⅝ box
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 6 ounces cream cheese room temperature (¾ brick)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce we used Franks RedHot
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¾ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside the pasta.10 ounces dry ziti pasta
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk together with the butter. Add the milk and whisk until combined and no clumps remain. Simmer until the sauce becomes thick, about 3-4 minutes.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir it into the mixture. You may need to use a spoon or spatula to break up the cream cheese.6 ounces cream cheese
- Add the ranch seasoning and Buffalo sauce to the skillet and stir.1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix, ¼ cup Buffalo sauce
- Mix the cooked chicken and noodles into the sauce in the skillet. Stir until coated.2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top.¾ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Serve immediately and optionally top with parsley.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese are tasty alternatives to mozzarella.
- This recipe has a medium spice level – add a little more or less hot sauce to adjust.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti Step by Step
Make the sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour. Then, whisk in 2 cups milk until no clumps remain. Simmer until thickened.
Make it creamy: Stir in 6 oz cream cheese. Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix and 1/4 cup buffalo sauce.
Add pasta and chicken: Mix in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken and 10 oz cooked ziti. Stir until fully coated.
Add cheese and bake: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese across the top. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
More Buffalo Chicken Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Best Buffalo Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole
So easy and delicious!!
We thought this was really delicious! I doubled the amount of Buffalo sauce and used a cup of mozzarella, but otherwise followed the recipe. Definitely one I’ll be making again.