Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake with Mozzarella Topping
A bold, oven-ready casserole marrying smoky buffalo-sauced chicken, velvety ranch, al dente pasta, and melted mozzarella. Balanced heat, tang, and stretchy dairy make this 30-minute dish a crowd-pleasing comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: All-American
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta (227g)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (227g)
1/4 cup buffalo sauce (59ml)
1/4 cup ranch dressing (59ml)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (75g)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta to al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Add cooked pasta to the bowl and mix in ranch dressing until combined.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until mozzarella is golden and bubbly.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken saves time; substitute with cooked turkey or tofu for dietary preferences.
Use full-fat ranch dressing for best melting; replace with sour cream + chives if needed.
Gluten-free penne is available for dietary restrictions.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.