Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole

This creamy and spicy casserole is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. With tender chicken, pasta, and a tangy buffalo sauce, it’s a delicious way to add some heat to your meal.

Start cooking ↓

TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

COOKBOOK / 3968

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Adjust servings4

8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 chicken breasts, cubed 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced ¾ cup heavy cream ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®) ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup shredded Gouda cheese 1 teaspoon potato starch 1 cup panko bread crumbs 3 tablespoons melted butter ¼ cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Cook Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite, about 8 minutes. Drain it, give it a quick rinse, and set it aside.

02

Preheat Oven and Grease

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

03

Cook Chicken and Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, chopped onion, and garlic, cooking just until the chicken is warmed through, about 2 to 4 minutes. Pour in the cream and buffalo sauce, stir it all together, and let it heat through.

04

Combine Cheese and Pasta

Mix the mozzarella and Gouda cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle in the potato starch. Add this cheesy mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and everything comes together. Take the pan off the heat, toss in the cooked pasta, and stir well to combine. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish.

05

Add Buttered Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta, then top with the Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.

06

Bake Until Golden

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top, about 20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use cooked chicken to save time and ensure the meat is tender.
- Stir the sauce well to evenly coat the pasta and chicken.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines spicy buffalo flavors with creamy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and pleases both kids and adults. The mix of textures and bold taste makes it a crowd favorite.

Serving ideas

Serve with a side of crisp celery sticks or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. A dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top adds a cool contrast to the spicy flavors.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.