Description
This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender penne pasta with shredded chicken, a creamy buffalo sauce made from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, and a melty blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Ready in under 30 minutes, this American-inspired main course is perfect for a quick, comforting dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups penne pasta, cooked
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/3 cup Frank’s hot sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: While pasta cooks, blend the cottage cheese in a blender until smooth. This step is optional but recommended for a creamier sauce texture.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning mix, Frank’s hot sauce, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the buffalo sauce.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Topping: Remove from oven and sprinkle the sliced green onions evenly over the top for a fresh, savory finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy a spicy, creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake.
Notes
- Blending the cottage cheese results in a smoother, creamier sauce but can be skipped if preferred.
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for a faster preparation.
- Adjust the amount of Frank’s hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses and yogurt with vegan alternatives.
