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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This buffalo chicken pasta is crispy chicken pieces tossed with penne pasta in a spicy and creamy cheese sauce, then baked to golden brown perfection. A unique baked pasta dish that's great for serving a large crowd!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 508 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces frozen breaded chicken tenders
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 4 cups milk
  • 16 ounces short pasta such as penne
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ranch powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided use
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 2 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
  • 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • cooking spray

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Bake the chicken fingers according to package directions. Coarsely chop the chicken. Reserve 1/2 cup of chicken pieces for garnish.
  3. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour, then whisk until combined.
  4. Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened. 
  5. Add the milk and whisk until combined. 
  6. Stir in the pasta, salt, ranch powder and smoked paprika, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  8. Turn the heat to low, then stir in the 3 cups of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella and cream cheeses, and 1/3 cup of buffalo sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.  If you need to thin the sauce, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Stir in the diced chicken.
  10. Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  11. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
  12. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the pasta. Add the reserved chopped chicken, celery and green onions on top, then serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories 508kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 55g (18%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Cholesterol 103mg (34%) Sodium 780mg (33%) Potassium 376mg (11%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 995IU (20%) Calcium 497mg (50%) Iron 1.7mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 508

% Daily Value*

Calories 508kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Cholesterol 103mg 34%
Sodium 780mg 33%
Potassium 376mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 995IU 20%
Calcium 497mg 50%
Iron 1.7mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.