Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender chicken with creamy ingredients and a spicy kick, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners!
Equipment
- 9 x 13 casserole dish
- Blender
Ingredients
- 4 cups penne pasta cooked (cooked per package instructions)
- 2 cups shredded chicken cooked (use rotisserie or homemade)
- ½ cup cottage cheese blended (optional, but recommended for creaminess)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt preferably FAGE for cooking and baking
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix store-bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup Frank's hot sauce classic buffalo flavor
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese for topping, can use favorite cheese
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese for topping
- ¼ cup green onions chopped, for garnishing
Instructions
- Start by tossing the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt in a large bowl. You will feel the creamy texture come together, and it will smell incredible as the ingredients mingle. Be careful not to over-mix, or you might break the pasta.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and Frank's hot sauce. Look for that vibrant color as the sauce coats the pasta, creating a mouthwatering aroma.
- Fold in the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness. You will notice the dish's richness growing. Save some cheese for sprinkling on top.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. The layers should look cheesy and delicious.
- Scatter the chopped green onions over the top before it goes in the oven. This adds a nice freshness to the dish.
- Pop the dish in a preheated oven and bake until it is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it; over baking can dry it out.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later.
Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking. If cheese does not melt properly during baking, ensure your oven is properly preheated and cover the dish with foil if needed. If buffalo sauce is too spicy for some, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more yogurt to tone it down.
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes at 350 degrees F in the oven.
Serve with a side salad to balance the meal. Pair with garlic bread for a heartier dinner option. Offer as a dip with tortilla chips.
For a vegetarian option, substitute shredded chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Use Banza pasta for a gluten-free option. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese.
For creaminess, blending cottage cheese is recommended. Consider cream cheese as a substitution for a different texture.