This easy buffalo chicken pasta bake recipe has layers of flavor from the extra cheesy pasta to the buttery cracker topping. You can assemble it a day or two ahead of time if you need to - and it takes just 30 minutes!
2 ½cupschickencooked and diced, (about 1 ½ lbs raw)
1cupmozzarella cheeseabout 4 ounces shredded from a block
1cupscheddar cheeseabout 4 ounces shredded from a block - I like sharp cheddar for this
1cupcottage cheeseoptional
15Ritz crackersabout 1 sleeve, crushed
¼cupbutter
green onionsfor garnish
bacon crumblesfor garnish - optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Drain.
Stir together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, ranch, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
Mix the Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses.
Add the chicken, 1 cup cheese mixture, and cooked pasta noodles to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine.
Spoon into the prepared dish.
Combine the remaining cheese and sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
Melt butter.
Stir the melted butter into the Ritz cracker crumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Remove from oven, drizzle with more hot sauce and Ranch. Garnish with sliced green onion and bacon crumbles if desired.
Notes
Storage:Leftover buffalo chicken pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container.Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes or microwave until warmed through.This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as directed above. Tips:
I use Frank's Hot Sauce in this because it's thicker and has more texture than other brands. It coats the other ingredients much better.
Once you mix the pasta and chicken with the sauce get it in the oven as quickly as possible - the pasta will absorb some of the sauce. If this happens just add ½ cup milk or half & half around the edges.
If you don't have Ritz crackers on hand, any type of cracker will work.
I like to cook my pasta to al dente per the package directions because it will continue to cook in the oven.