Test Kitchen Approved

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8
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

Oven Chicken Diner-Style

Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

About

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 13x9-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.

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