Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake – Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food for Less!

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Looking for a dish that’s bold, creamy, and packed with flavor while still keeping costs low? This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the perfect mix of tangy buffalo sauce, gooey cheese, and tender chicken baked with pasta. Ideal for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep, this recipe delivers comfort food at a fraction of the price.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a hearty, gourmet meal for less.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a group without breaking the bank.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines spicy buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and tender chicken.
• One-Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup with a delicious, baked pasta dish.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat or cheese blend to suit your taste.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (Learn more about budget-friendly dressings)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for extra tang)
• 1/2 cup milk (for extra creaminess)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy top)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Note: You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and money.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Cook Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directs (it will continue to cook in the oven).
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the red onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the cooked chicken and toss with the buffalo wing sauce until well coated.
4. Stir in the ranch or blue cheese dressing and milk to create a creamy mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the buffalo chicken mixture.
2. Mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top evenly with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese (if using).

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
2. If desired, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes to crisp up the topping further.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce if desired.

💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated for 6 Servings)

Prices are approximate and may vary by location. Use store-brand items to save even more!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken thighs are generally juicier and more budget-friendly. If using breasts, be cautious not to overcook.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Absolutely. Modify the amount of buffalo sauce or add red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it. Bake when ready to serve; you might need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

For more tips on meal prepping and budget-friendly cooking, check out Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.

Related Recipes & Internal Links

If you enjoyed this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, explore more budget-friendly recipes on KateFi.com:

• One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice – Fast, Cheap & Delicious!
• Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken – Sweet, Spicy & Under $5!
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff – A Rich, Creamy Dinner on a Budget

For additional meal-planning hacks, visit The 50 Grocery Challenge – Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold buffalo flavor, melty cheeses, and tender chicken, it delivers restaurant-quality taste without the high price. Enjoy this delicious bake with your family or friends, and share your tweaks in the comments below!

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