Get ready for a flavor explosion! This incredibly easy buffalo chicken casserole takes classic buffalo flavors and transforms them into a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish.
Learn more about the history of Buffalo wings and how their iconic sauce came to be a culinary staple.
Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this comfort food staple combines tender chicken and pasta with a creamy, spicy sauce. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, bringing a delicious and satisfying meal to your table with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This delicious buffalo chicken casserole is a guaranteed winner for so many reasons. It truly embodies simplicity and big flavor.
- Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: This recipe comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy parents and beginners looking for a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy more time with your family and less time cooking.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need a handful of accessible pantry staples to create a dish bursting with bold, zesty, and creamy tastes. No complicated shopping trips required for this easy meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing, Game Day Favorite: Everyone loves the classic combo of buffalo chicken, and this casserole delivers it in a comforting, shareable format. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or any casual gathering.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Comfort: With pre-cooked chicken and a straightforward mixing process, your prep time is kept to a minimum. You get all the cozy satisfaction of a home-cooked meal without the extensive effort.
- Satisfying Spicy and Creamy Combo: The perfect balance of spicy Frank’s Red Hot and rich Alfredo sauce creates an irresistible creamy texture with a delightful kick. It’s a truly addictive flavor profile.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering buffalo chicken casserole:
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta: The perfect shape for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Time-saver hero, use rotisserie or leftover chicken.
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce: Provides a creamy, rich base for the dish.
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: The essential ingredient for that classic buffalo tang.
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional): Adds a pungent, salty kick that perfectly complements buffalo flavor.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning: Enhances the creamy, herby notes in the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a gooey, golden-brown topping.
- Chopped scallions (optional, to taste): For a fresh, oniony garnish and vibrant color.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this buffalo chicken casserole recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use other sturdy shapes like rotini, ziti, or medium shells. For the cooked shredded chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut; just shred it up. Leftover roasted or boiled chicken also works perfectly. Any brand of jarred Alfredo sauce is fine, but a higher quality one will enhance the overall richness. If you prefer a less spicy buffalo chicken casserole, start with less hot sauce and add more to taste. Don’t like blue cheese? Simply omit it, or substitute with extra cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan. The ranch seasoning packet is incredibly convenient, but a tablespoon of homemade ranch seasoning blend also works.
Equipment
You won’t need much special equipment to whip up this easy buffalo chicken casserole.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish: Essential for baking your generous portion of deliciousness.
- Large pot for pasta: Needed to boil your penne pasta to perfection.
- Colander for draining: For quickly and efficiently draining the cooked pasta.
- Large mixing spoon: To combine all your ingredients thoroughly before baking.
Instructions
Creating this comforting buffalo chicken casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position your oven rack in the top third for optimal baking and browning. Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta for exactly one minute less than the package directions indicate for al dente. This ensures your pasta won’t get mushy when it bakes in the oven.
Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Transfer the hot, drained pasta directly into your 9×13 inch casserole dish. Add the cooked shredded chicken, jarred Alfredo sauce, Frank’s Red Hot Original, the optional blue cheese crumbles, and the ranch seasoning packet to the dish.
Using a large mixing spoon, toss all the ingredients together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Spread the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the casserole dish. Generously top the entire casserole with the two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the uncovered buffalo chicken casserole in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted beautifully. For an extra golden-brown and slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the very end. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Garnish with fresh chopped scallions, if desired, for a touch of freshness. Serve your delicious, hot buffalo chicken casserole immediately and enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Elevate your buffalo chicken casserole with these simple pro tips.
- Avoid overcooking pasta initially. Cooking it one minute shy of al dente ensures it remains perfectly textured after baking, preventing a mushy casserole.
- Adjust hot sauce to preferred spice. Start with the recommended amount, then taste the mixture before adding cheese. Add more Frank’s Red Hot if you like a fierier kick.
- Achieve golden, bubbly cheese top. Broiling for a minute or two at the end gives that irresistible browned, slightly crispy cheese layer. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Ensure even distribution of ingredients. Mixing thoroughly means every bite of your creamy buffalo chicken casserole will have the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Use good quality Alfredo for best flavor. While any jarred sauce works, a premium brand can make a noticeable difference in the richness and depth of your casserole.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile buffalo chicken casserole is fantastic on its own, but also pairs well with various sides. You can also easily adapt it to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty buffalo chicken casserole with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Serve it alongside warm garlic bread or crusty rolls, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Offer celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side, just like you would with traditional buffalo wings.
- Provide extra ranch or blue cheese dressing at the table for dipping or drizzling, enhancing the classic flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, transfer any remaining buffalo chicken casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate it promptly, and it will keep deliciously for 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover and reheat the whole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until bubbly. If the casserole seems a little dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore moisture. Freezing this casserole is generally not recommended, as the pasta can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
Variations
- Try different pasta shapes: Experiment with rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni for a slightly different texture and aesthetic in your buffalo chicken pasta bake.
- Add sautéed vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, incorporate sautéed diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn into the mixture before baking.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the Alfredo sauce for an even richer, tangier, and more decadent creamy sauce.
- Use different cheeses: Instead of just mozzarella, try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even some smoked provolone for unique flavor twists.
- Substitute chicken: Ground turkey, cooked and seasoned, makes an excellent alternative to shredded chicken, offering a leaner option for this delicious recipe.
Nutrition Information
For detailed nutritional breakdowns of ingredients, you can explore USDA food composition databases.
This estimated nutrition information for one serving of buffalo chicken casserole (6 servings per recipe) is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. It’s a great hearty meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 497 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 27g |
Values are estimates based on standard ingredient calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep some elements in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauces and seasonings, but don’t add the mozzarella. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then top with cheese and bake just before serving.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to Frank’s Red Hot. You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce you add; start with less for a milder version or add more for an extra kick.
What kind of chicken is best to use?
Pre-cooked shredded chicken is ideal for convenience. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a perfect choice, or you can use leftover baked or boiled chicken breasts.
Can I use light Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use light Alfredo sauce if you prefer. Be aware that it may slightly alter the richness and overall creaminess of the buffalo chicken casserole, but it will still be delicious.
Conclusion
This easy buffalo chicken casserole proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. With its perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, it’s a dish that truly satisfies. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for game day, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. We encourage you to try this simple, beginner-friendly buffalo chicken casserole soon. Share your thoughts and rate the recipe in the comments below!