Description

This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, whole grain pasta, and a creamy buffalo wing sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until bubbly and garnished with fresh green onions, it offers a spicy twist on classic comfort food, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces whole grain penne pasta

Chicken & Seasoning

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Neutral oil, for cooking chicken

Sauce

1 1/4 cups Buffalo wing sauce
8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup low-fat ranch dressing
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

Cheeses

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

Green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the whole grain penne pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Cook chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Heat a small amount of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked and no longer pink, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Buffalo wing sauce, softened low-fat cream cheese, low-fat ranch dressing, and plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the skillet, combine the cooked chicken and drained pasta with the prepared sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese until well distributed.
Bake casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce based on your desired level of spiciness.
Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo chicken casserole, baked buffalo chicken, cheesy buffalo pasta, spicy chicken casserole, comfort food, healthy buffalo chicken