If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, then this Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender penne pasta mingling with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that balances heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness in every bite, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner or a game-day treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Each component plays a vital role: from the al dente penne that carries the sauce beautifully, to the zesty Frank’s Red Hot adding that signature buffalo kick, and mozzarella bringing the perfect melt and stretch.
- 8 ounces uncooked penne: Choose penne for its tube shape, which traps sauce and chicken pieces delightfully.
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken: Using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep and adds a juicy, seasoned base.
- 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce: Creamy and rich, Alfredo sauce smooths out the spice while adding indulgence.
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: This classic buffalo sauce delivers the signature tangy heat this recipe is known for.
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional): Adds sharp, tangy bursts for blue cheese lovers but can be skipped if preferred.
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning: Ranch seasoning enhances cool creaminess and balances the spice spectrum.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Provides luscious, gooey topping that browns beautifully in the oven.
- Chopped scallions (optional, to taste): Fresh scallions add a lively crunch and splash of color to finish the casserole.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and moving your oven rack to the top third position. This placement ensures the casserole bakes evenly and allows the cheese to brown nicely at the end. Prepping the oven early helps everything move smoothly when your casserole assembly is ready.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta. Be sure to cook it for one minute less than the package directions suggest. This slight undercooking is key because the pasta will continue absorbing moisture and cooking inside the casserole, resulting in perfectly tender noodles that aren’t mushy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Casserole Dish
Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add in the cooked chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy Frank’s Red Hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles if using, and ranch seasoning packet. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every bit of pasta and chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce mixture. Spread this mixture out in an even layer across the casserole dish for uniform baking.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake it uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the dish is hot and bubbling around the edges. If you want that irresistible golden brown cheese crust, switch your oven to broil for a few minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so nothing burns. Once out of the oven, sprinkle over chopped scallions for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving hot.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped scallions not only adds a pop of color but offers a mild onion crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy casserole. You can also add a few extra blue cheese crumbles on top for an extra layer of tang and texture if you love that flavor profile.
Side Dishes
To round out this hearty dish, serve it alongside crisp celery sticks or a fresh garden salad to add lightness and crunch to your meal. A cool cucumber salad with a touch of lemon juice works wonders to balance the heat, making your dinner experience refreshing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to jazz up your presentation? Brew the casserole in smaller individual ramekins for an elegant single-serve option perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, serve it family-style straight from the casserole dish on a wooden board, surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces like extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to let everyone customize their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for up to 3 days and make for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare the entire dish, then cover tightly with foil and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if still chilled.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly, or place the entire casserole back into a 350-degree oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. To refresh the melty cheese topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds sauce well, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti would work beautifully and soak up all the delicious buffalo flavors just as nicely.
Is it necessary to use blue cheese in this casserole?
Blue cheese is optional in this Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe and adds a tangy punch that pairs nicely with the buffalo sauce. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with extra mozzarella or a mild cheddar for creaminess.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The spiciness depends largely on the amount of Frank’s Red Hot sauce you use. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the buffalo sauce slightly or add a bit more Alfredo sauce to tame the heat while keeping all the flavor.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! For a delicious vegetarian twist on this Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe, swap the chicken for cauliflower florets or a plant-based chicken substitute. Both options absorb the sauce wonderfully and maintain the dish’s hearty appeal.
What can I serve with this casserole for a complete meal?
A lovely side salad with crisp veggies, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts pairs well to balance out the richness of the casserole. Don’t forget some crunchy celery sticks with a side of ranch or blue cheese for classic buffalo vibes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting yet exciting about this Buffalo Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. From the creamy sauce to the gentle spicy kick and cheesy finish, it’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making repeatedly. Give it a try—you just might discover your next go-to dinner that everyone asks for time and time again!
