Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Spicy

There’s something magical about a bubbling casserole on a busy weeknight. It’s warm, a little messy, and smells like comfort. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole? It hits the table hot, creamy, and bold — the kind of dish that makes everyone lean in for seconds before the forks even hit the plates.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole

This dish brings together creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken in one pan of pure comfort. It’s everything you crave when you want something bold, cozy, and satisfying.

The sauce wraps around each bite of pasta with the perfect balance of heat and richness. It’s simple to pull together in under 30 minutes and easy to prep ahead. You can even stretch it across multiple meals — just add a fresh side!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, bringing a dish to game night, or just want to liven up a Tuesday, this casserole delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz of penne, bowtie, rigatoni, or medium shells. Go for one with ridges to catch all that saucy goodness.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz, full-fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: ½ cup of something like Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce gives you that iconic spicy tang.
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup to help smooth out the sauce.
• Garlic Powder & Salt: 1 tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp salt to boost flavor.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: 1 lb — use rotisserie, leftover, or instant pot chicken for ease.
• Cheeses: 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar.

Optional Toppings

• Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole to the next level? Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for a creamy, cool contrast that cuts through the heat. Feeling extra cheesy? Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar before serving — or toss it under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Finally, don’t skip the garnish. A sprinkle of sliced green onions or chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances all the richness in this spicy, cheesy, crave-worthy casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta — penne, rigatoni, or whatever shape you love for casseroles — and cook it just until al dente. This helps it hold up in the oven without getting mushy later. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. A little moisture is fine, but you don’t want it watery. Meanwhile, if you plan to bake your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole after assembling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F. This way, everything’s ready to go once your creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole comes together.

Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to melt and come together. At first, the cream cheese may look a bit lumpy or separated, but don’t worry — just keep stirring. Within a few minutes, it will transform into a silky, creamy buffalo sauce that’s rich and full of flavor. This sauce forms the bold, spicy heart of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole, so take your time here. Once smooth, you’re ready to add the seasoning and shredded chicken to build even more flavor.

Combine Chicken and Pasta

Once the sauce is smooth and silky, whisk in the garlic powder and salt until fully dissolved. Then, add your cooked, shredded chicken. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each bite of chicken is coated in that rich, spicy buffalo sauce. The heat from the sauce melts into the chicken, infusing it with bold, savory flavor. You want every strand to soak up the creamy buffalo mixture so it practically melts in your mouth. This step is what makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole taste so satisfying — the chicken becomes juicy, tender, and full of that signature kick.

Melt the Cheese

Now fold in the cooked pasta, making sure each piece gets coated with the rich buffalo sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, and keep the heat on low. Stir gently and patiently as the cheese begins to melt, turning the mixture into a smooth, creamy dream. The sauce will thicken slightly, clinging to the pasta just right. You’ll start to see that signature cheesy pull as everything comes together. At this point, your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole should look bubbling, golden, and almost too good to wait for — but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Add Toppings and Serve

At this point, you can finish your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole with any toppings you like. Add extra mozzarella or sharp cheddar for an extra melty layer, or drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. A sprinkle of green onions or parsley adds color and freshness. You can serve the casserole straight from the skillet for a quick, rustic presentation. Or, transfer it to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake for 10–15 minutes until hot and bubbling. Either way, make sure to serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole

• Want it spicier? Add a bit more buffalo sauce. Prefer it mild? Cut back and mix in a little more broth or a splash of cream.
• Pasta with ridges, like rigatoni or shells, holds the sauce better and gives a heartier bite.
• You can make this ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. It reheats beautifully — especially with a splash of cream stirred in.

If you’re working with leftover rotisserie chicken, check out these 70+ rotisserie chicken recipes to repurpose leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole has a bold, spicy flavor — pair it with something fresh and simple.

Try a crisp green salad with ranch dressing, a bowl of unsweetened applesauce, or even a slice of buttery beer bread. All of these cool things down just enough to let that buffalo flavor shine.

Looking for something spicy to go with it later in the week? You might also love this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread – A Spicy Twist on Pizza Night.

Storage and Reheating

This dish holds up great in the fridge.

Store leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to bring back that silky sauce.

Want to freeze it? Assemble everything ahead, then freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe Card

Print

Explore Similar Recipes

If you’re into creamy, bold, and cozy chicken dishes, don’t miss these:

Try this Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a mellow, slow-cooked version.
Or go sweet-savory with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for Easy Weeknights.

These are great for make-ahead meals or lazy Sunday dinners.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole checks all the boxes — creamy, cheesy, spicy, and simple to make. It’s a dish that makes everyone smile, whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating, drop a comment, or tag your photo on Instagram or Pinterest. Can’t wait to see what you make!