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Before diving into the cooking process, preheating the oven is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) allows for even cooking and ensures that the pasta bake reaches the perfect temperature throughout. A properly preheated oven is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust on top while keeping the inside creamy and delicious. While your oven heats up, you can focus on preparing the other components of your dish, ensuring that everything is ready for assembly.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Looking for a dish that will impress at any gathering? Try the Spicy & Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! This delectable recipe combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with creamy pasta for a comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners, game days, or potlucks. With a mouthwatering blend of cheeses, tender chicken, and zesty buffalo sauce, every bite is a delightful experience. Discover how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser and enjoy the delicious results!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup buffalo wing sauce (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside.

      Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the heavy cream and half of the buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup). Using a whisk or spatula, mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

        Mix the Ingredients: To the creamy mixture, add the shredded cooked chicken, the drained penne pasta, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and the remaining 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper as desired.

          Incorporate the Cheeses: Gently fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese along with all of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the complete pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure it fills the dish uniformly.

              Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta bake, covering it completely for that delightful cheesy crust.

                Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

                    Enjoy: Use a large spoon to scoop out portions of the creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6

                        - Serving Suggestion: Pair this bake with a crisp side salad or some buttery garlic bread for a complete meal!