America’s favorite dip just got even better! Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the casserole version of everyone’s go-to party dish… and now you don’t need to throw a party to have an excuse to enjoy the tangy, spicy flavors! This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, bouncy pasta, and a creamy and tangy buffalo sauce to make sure you thoroughly enjoy this main course version. Topped with a generous helping of melted Swiss cheese, this pasta bake is sure to satisfy… like really, how could it not?! You’ll never be happier to have exchanged your cracker for a fork after digging into this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake!
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup blue cheese salad dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Step 3 –In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain.
Step 4 –Sprinkle the chicken cubes with the salt and the pepper.
Step 5 –In a large skillet, sauté the chicken cubes in 1 tablespoon of the oil until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cubes from the skillet.
Step 6 –In the same skillet, sauté the carrots, the celery, and the onion in the remaining oil until they are tender.
Step 7 –Add the garlic to the veggie mixture and cook for 1 minute.
Step 8 –Transfer the veggie mixture from the heat.
Step 9 –Stir the salad dressing, the mayonnaise, and the hot sauce into the skillet.
Step 10 –Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, then transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
Step 11 –Sprinkle the bake with the cheese and the breadcrumbs and drizzle it with the butter.
Step 12 –Bake the pasta mixture, uncovered, until it is heated through and the cheese has melted, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 13 –Serve.
