Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti is a bold, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy pasta dish that combines the creamy comfort of baked ziti with the fiery flavor of buffalo chicken. It’s the perfect fusion meal for anyone who loves pasta but also craves that zesty, tangy kick of buffalo sauce. This dish has it all—tender pasta, juicy chicken, rich cheese sauce, and a crispy golden topping that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for weeknight dinners, game nights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something hearty, filling, and full of flavor.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

400 g (14 oz) ziti or penne pasta
2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 ½ cups (360 ml) buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup (60 g) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional: Crumbled blue cheese for topping

Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or oil.
Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream (or milk) to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Mix in the ranch or blue cheese dressing, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat it evenly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the buffalo chicken sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions and optional crumbled blue cheese for a restaurant-style finish.

Nutrients

Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Calcium: 25% of daily value
Iron: 10% of daily value

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. It perfectly balances creamy, cheesy richness with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce. The tender pasta and flavorful chicken make it hearty enough for dinner, while the melted cheese topping gives it that oven-baked perfection. It’s a dish that satisfies both buffalo wing lovers and pasta fans. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, reheat, and serve for gatherings—making it a dependable favorite in your weekly meal rotation.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti is inspired by two classic comfort foods—buffalo chicken wings and baked pasta. Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, and its distinct spicy-tangy flavor quickly became a favorite across America. The idea to merge it with pasta came later, as home cooks looked for creative ways to enjoy that signature flavor in hearty meals. Combining baked ziti, a beloved Italian-American casserole, with buffalo chicken results in a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting—a modern twist that bridges cultures and flavors beautifully.

Ingredient Spotlight

The star of this recipe is buffalo sauce, a zesty blend of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar that delivers the perfect heat-to-flavor balance. When mixed with cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar, it creates a silky, spicy cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Chicken breast provides lean protein while soaking up the buffalo flavor, and the use of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a cooling, creamy contrast. The final sprinkle of cheddar and mozzarella gives it that gooey, irresistible baked topping that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, allow the baked ziti to cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating if the pasta seems dry—it will restore that creamy texture beautifully.

Common Variations to Try

There are many fun ways to switch up this dish. Try using rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap in ground chicken or turkey for a slightly different flavor. For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli into the sauce. If you want it spicier, drizzle more buffalo sauce on top before baking or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also make it a little lighter by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. For a crunchy twist, top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.

Pairing Recommendations

Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crisp celery and carrot sticks—the same fresh sides you’d serve with buffalo wings. A side of garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls also complements the creamy sauce perfectly. To cool down the spice, pair it with a cold glass of lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer. For dessert, something refreshing like lemon bars or vanilla ice cream helps balance the richness of the meal. It’s a complete dining experience that hits all the right notes.

Health Benefits

While this dish leans indulgent, it also has nutritional value when made with quality ingredients. Chicken provides lean protein, which supports muscle health and keeps you full longer. The dairy ingredients offer calcium for strong bones, and if you choose whole-grain pasta, you’ll add extra fiber to aid digestion. You can make it lighter by using low-fat cheese and sauce options. Plus, buffalo sauce contains vinegar and spices that can help stimulate digestion. This meal proves that comfort food can still be balanced with a mindful approach.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti is the kind of dish that brings excitement to the dinner table. It’s bold, flavorful, and creamy, combining everything people love about buffalo wings and baked pasta into one unforgettable meal. With its gooey cheese, spicy sauce, and hearty chicken, it’s guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. Whether served as a weeknight comfort meal or the star of your next get-together, this recipe always delivers big flavor and satisfaction. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a regular in your kitchen lineup—a modern comfort classic with just the right amount of kick.

Enjoy your meal and share this dish with family and friends—it’s sure to become a new favorite!

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