If you love the comforting harmony of creamy, cheesy pasta with a fiery Buffalo kick, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to dinner. It combines tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, and smoky bacon all tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce-laced creamy sauce, topped with crunchy Fritos for an unexpected and delightful texture contrast. This dish is the perfect way to bring bold flavors and homey satisfaction together in one scrumptious, crowd-pleasing bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to creating the signature creamy, spicy, and crunchy experience that makes this dish shine. Each one brings something special to the table—whether it is richness, tang, or texture.
- 12 oz egg noodles: They hold sauces beautifully and provide that tender pasta base perfect for baking.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: A hearty protein that soaks up the buffalo flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon: Adds smokiness and a crispy contrast that elevates every bite.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a luscious creaminess and binds the mixture together.
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream: Brings tang and smooth texture to balance the spicy sauces.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: Layers in herby depth and coolness to complement buffalo heat.
- â…” cup buffalo wing sauce (or to taste): The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable spicy zip.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, enriching the whole dish with bold flavor.
- 1 cup crushed Fritos: A fun, crunchy topping that contrasts delightfully with the creamy pasta beneath.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil a large pot of water over medium-high heat, then add the egg noodles and cook until al dente—meaning just tender with a little bite left. This ensures your pasta bakes perfectly without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Buffalo Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is where all the intense, comforting flavors meld together beautifully. Stir in the drained noodles gently, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious sauce.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour your buffalo chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite has a little bit of everything. Sprinkle the crushed Fritos generously over the top—that golden, salty crunch will become an irresistible contrast after baking. Then, bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and heated through, with the cheese melted into a bubbly dream.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Few things elevate a dish more than fresh garnishes. Try sprinkling chopped green onions, a drizzle of ranch dressing, or even some fresh parsley on top to add color, fresh flavor, and a bit of brightness to your buffalo chicken pasta bake.
Side Dishes
Because the pasta bake is rich and flavorful, pairing it with light, crisp sides works well. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed fresh broccoli will balance out the meal while still letting your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe be the star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets. This makes the dish feel special and cozy, perfect for entertaining or a comforting solo dinner. Adding a sprinkle of extra Fritos and cheese right before serving keeps things crunchy and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and flavors often deepen overnight.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, preserving its creamy texture and bold taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions, stirring halfway, until piping hot. Adding a little extra cheddar on top before reheating will refresh the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves prep time. Just chop it up and toss it in along with the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Yes, adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your preferred heat level. You can use less for a mild dish or add more for a fiery kick. Ranch dressing mix also helps balance the spice nicely.
Are there alternatives to Fritos for topping?
Of course! You can swap Fritos for crushed tortilla chips, crispy breadcrumbs, or even fried onions to get a different but equally delightful crunch.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional egg noodles contain gluten, so to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients (like cream of chicken soup and ranch mix) are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the day before, refrigerate it, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes weeknight dinners even easier.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and bold flavor that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with surprising textures that keep every bite exciting. I can’t wait for you to make it and share this amazing dish with your loved ones.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy buffalo wing sauce, all topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz egg noodles
Meat
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
Sauce & Dairy
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- â…” cup buffalo wing sauce (or to taste)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Fritos
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, chopped cooked bacon, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until fully mixed. Then fold in the cooked egg noodles to coat them in the creamy buffalo mixture.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed Fritos evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For a less crispy topping, substitute Fritos with crushed tortilla chips or omit entirely.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
