This cheesy buffalo chicken pasta bake is one of my favorite recipes to make for weeknight dinners. I just toss some shredded chicken and ziti noodles together in a creamy buffalo sauce, then top off this pasta casserole with lots of gooey mozzarella cheese. My family practically begs for this baked buffalo chicken ziti, and since it’s so easy to make, I always agree!
Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta (with Ziti)
My whole family loves my chicken baked ziti, so when I concocted this cheesy buffalo chicken version, I knew I had a winner.
Prepping this baked pasta dish is super fast, and it’s a great way to use up shredded chicken. I just mix it in with pasta (I like using ziti), a cream cheese buffalo sauce I make with ranch seasoning, and finish with shredded cheese. And this buffalo chicken pasta bake cooks in the oven in about 20 minutes, so dinner is never too far away!
My kids are obsessed with mac and cheese, and this is like an elevated version that us adults love just as much. To say we’re obsessed would be an understatement!
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How to Store and Reheat
Store baked buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed all the way through. Or reheat the full casserole in the oven as instructed.
How to Freeze
Let buffalo chicken baked ziti fully cool to room temperature prior to freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge for a few hours prior to reheating.
Top Reader Review
“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.” – Helen
Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti Recipe
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.
- Top with green onions or chives and crumbled blue cheese.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Step by Step
Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then cook 10 ounces of dry ziti pasta on the stovetop according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make a Roux: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Then add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk with the butter. Next, add 2 cups of milk and whisk until combined–no clumps should remain. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Stir in 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, breaking it up as it melts. Then add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix and ¼ cup of buffalo sauce.
Add Pasta and Chicken: Mix in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and the cooked pasta. Stir until fully coated the sauce.
Add Cheese and Bake: Pour the buffalo chicken pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Then sprinkle ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese across on top, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
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.