Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite recipes: dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta! Seriously, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. You just toss everything into a baking dish, let the oven do its magic, and voilà! You’ve got a creamy, spicy, and cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the best part? It’s super easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be enjoying this delicious comfort food in no time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
To make this scrumptious dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients. I promise, it’s super simple and you might already have most of these in your pantry!
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver!)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (for that creamy, tangy flavor)
- 2 cups chicken broth (this keeps everything nice and moist)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for a fresh pop of color and flavor)
How to Make Dump and Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it ensures your pasta cooks evenly and the cheese melts to gooey perfection. I always like to set my oven while I’m prepping the ingredients so it’s nice and hot when I’m ready to bake. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference in the end result!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large baking dish and let’s get mixing! Start by adding the uncooked penne pasta to the dish, then toss in the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and chicken broth. I like to use a spatula or spoon to gently stir everything together until the pasta is well coated and all the ingredients are evenly distributed. It’s super important that the pasta is submerged in the broth so it cooks perfectly. Once that’s done, we’re ready for the next step!
Top and Bake
Alright, now it’s time to add the finishing touches! Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top and add the chopped green onions for a burst of flavor. It’s visually stunning, too! Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the pasta is tender. Oh, it smells so good while it cooks!
Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let that delicious dish cool for a few minutes before diving in. I usually serve it straight from the baking dish because it looks so inviting! Grab a big spoon, scoop out a hearty portion, and get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy bowl of comfort. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta is one of those recipes that just checks all the boxes! Here’s why you’re gonna love it:
- Super easy and quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one dish.
- Deliciously creamy and spicy flavor that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Customizable—adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings!
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Tips for Success
To make sure your dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta turns out perfect, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the preheating—trust me, it makes a big difference! If you want extra creaminess, feel free to mix in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream with the ranch dressing. Also, I love adding some extra cheese on top in the last few minutes of baking for that gooey, melty goodness. And remember, always taste before serving—adjust the buffalo sauce to fit your spice preference. Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes before digging in; it’ll be easier to serve and taste even better!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For this dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta, you can typically expect around 550 calories per serving, with 25g of fat, 35g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Always check your ingredients for more accurate info!
FAQ Section
Can I use uncooked pasta?
Unfortunately, you can’t use uncooked pasta in this recipe as it needs to cook in the liquid. The penne pasta cooks perfectly in the chicken broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors. Just stick to the uncooked pasta for this one to get that creamy, dreamy result!
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you want to dial up or down the heat, it’s super easy! Just adjust the amount of buffalo sauce you add. For a milder flavor, try half a cup or mix in a bit of cream to mellow it out. For those who love a kick, go ahead and add more—your taste buds, your rules!
What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish is so hearty that it pairs well with simple sides! I recommend a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some crunchy celery sticks with ranch dressing. You could also serve it with garlic bread for that classic comfort food combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer, you can also pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Just be sure to cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from getting too brown. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Z nadrukami
How to Make Dump and Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
This recipe shows you how to make dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta easily.
Składniki
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine pasta, chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and chicken broth.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Top with shredded cheese and chopped green onions.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until pasta is cooked and cheese is melted.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dinner
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 550
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 1000mg
- Kwasy: 25g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: dump and bake buffalo chicken pasta
