This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This buffalo chicken casserole with pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor. Tender shredded chicken, rigatoni pasta, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce come together to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
If buffalo recipes are a favorite in your home, you’ll also love my Buffalo Chicken Sliders and Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Why you’ll love this buffalo chicken pasta bake recipe!
If you love Oven Baked Buffalo Wings and Buffalo Chicken Nachos (yes, please!), this buffalo chicken casserole with pasta will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation too.
What’s even better? Everything mixes together in one bowl and bakes in a single dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. This is exactly the kind of casserole recipe we all need in our lives!
- Bold buffalo flavor: Tangy buffalo sauce paired with creamy ranch dressing creates the perfect balance.
- Easy one-dish dinner: Everything mixes together in one bowl and bakes in a single casserole dish.
- Family friendly: The creamy sauce mellows the heat so it’s flavorful but not overly spicy.
- Great for leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully the next day.
- Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, game day spreads, or casual family dinners.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Rigatoni pasta – The ridges help hold onto the creamy buffalo sauce.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- Buffalo wing sauce – Adds bold flavor and signature buffalo heat.
- Ranch dressing – Balances the spice with creamy tang.
- Cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Cheddar cheese – Adds sharp flavor and melty goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese – Gives the casserole that gooey, cheesy topping.
- Green onions – Add freshness and color when sprinkled on top.
Variations
- Blue cheese version: Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing.
- Extra spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-carb: Replace the pasta with cauliflower florets.
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Casserole With Pasta
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Next Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked rigatoni, and half of the mozzarella cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This buffalo chicken pasta bake pairs well with simple sides like:
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread
- Creamy coleslaw
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked casserole for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to add something else, it pairs well with simple sides like salads, vegetables, and breads for soaking up the sauce.
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken will provide better flavor and texture.
Absolutely. Blue cheese dressing adds a classic buffalo flavor and works well as a substitute.
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
More Buffalo Recipes You’ll Love
All Recipes
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
All Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Appetizers & Snacks
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Slow Cooker
Crockpot Buffalo Wings
💌 Love easy recipes? Join my newsletter and get my Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes eBook FREE! Sign up here.
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta cooked and drained
- 1 8oz package cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3/4 cups ranch dressing
- 2-3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1/3 cups cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly grease an 8-inch casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Add the chicken, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and cooked pasta. Mix to combine. Pour into the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with the chopped green onion to garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce.
- Cook pasta just until al dente.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Add extra buffalo sauce for more heat.
- Let the casserole rest briefly before serving.
Everyone at the table asked where I got the recipe—so good!
Super simple and full of flavor. I’ll be making this again soon!
I’ve made this twice now and it’s even better the second time.
So quick to make but feels so special.
Made this tonight and it completely hit the spot.
My teenager said, “Best dinner ever!” That says it all.
I made this for a friend and she immediately asked for the link.