Why You’ll Love this Buffalo Chicken
If you’re craving something that hits all the comfort food notes while still being gluten-free, this Buffalo Chicken pasta bake is about to become your new favorite.
The creamy, spicy sauce clings perfectly to every piece of penne, creating that satisfying buffalo flavor without a drop of gluten.
What’s not to love about a dish that combines tangy hot sauce, melty cheese, and crunchy potato chip topping?
And talk about convenient—it comes together in just minutes before the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something indulgent but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
What Ingredients are in Buffalo Chicken?
This buffalo chicken pasta is all about combining creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements into one satisfying dish. The beauty of it lies in the contrast between the tender pasta, the rich sauce, and that crispy topping that gives you something to look forward to with every bite.
And don’t worry about hunting down specialty items—most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 lb uncooked gluten-free penne pasta
- 1 (18 ounce) can Progresso Vegetable Classics creamy mushroom soup
- 4 ounces gluten-free cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup gluten-free hot sauce
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups potato chips, coarsely crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
When shopping for these ingredients, make sure to double-check labels for gluten, especially on the hot sauce and soup. Some brands might sneak in gluten-containing additives.
And while blue cheese crumbles are mentioned in the instructions (for sprinkling at the end), they aren’t in the original ingredient list—so consider them optional if you’re not a blue cheese fan.
Want to dial up the heat? Choose a spicier hot sauce. Need to tone it down? Just reduce the amount slightly and add a touch more cream cheese for balance.
How to Make this Buffalo Chicken
Making this buffalo chicken pasta is almost embarrassingly simple, which is exactly what we want for those nights when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving a 13×9-inch glass baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray. Next, cook 1 lb of gluten-free penne pasta according to the package directions, but here’s a pro tip—stick to the minimum cooking time listed. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and nobody’s dream dinner includes mushy noodles.
Once your pasta is al dente, drain it and return it to the same pot (fewer dishes, always a win). Now for the creamy magic: stir in 1 can of Progresso Vegetable Classics creamy mushroom soup, 4 ounces of gluten-free cream cheese cut into chunks, and 1/2 cup of gluten-free hot sauce until everything gets cozy together.
Add 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken breasts, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring until well combined. The heat from the pasta should help melt that cream cheese into the most luxurious sauce.
Pour this entire buffalo chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the top with 2 cups of coarsely crushed potato chips—this is where that amazing textural contrast comes from.
For restaurant-quality results at home, you might consider investing in a commercial deep fryer to prepare perfectly crispy chicken for this dish ahead of time.
Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes, but don’t forget to add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. If you’re a blue cheese lover, finish with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles right after it comes out of the oven.
Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving, which might be the hardest part of this entire recipe, given how amazing your kitchen smells right now.
Buffalo Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this buffalo chicken pasta dish is absolutely scrumptious, there’s plenty of room to play with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Don’t have penne? Any gluten-free pasta shape will work beautifully—rotini holds that creamy sauce in its spirals, and shells cradle little pockets of buffalo goodness.
Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
Not a fan of extreme heat? Cut the hot sauce in half and add a tablespoon of honey for sweet heat balance.
And those crushed potato chips on top? Try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed corn flakes for a different crunch factor.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken
Now that you’ve mastered the main dish with all its possible variations, let’s round out your meal with perfect pairings.
I love how a cool, crisp side balances the spicy kick of buffalo chicken. Try a simple celery and carrot stick platter with ranch or blue cheese dressing—classic companions that cut through the heat beautifully.
For something heartier, a fresh green salad with cucumber and avocado works wonders.
Or what about some tangy coleslaw? The creamy-crunchy texture complements the buffalo flavor profile perfectly.
Roasted broccoli or cauliflower can stand up to those bold flavors too.
Final Thoughts
This buffalo chicken pasta recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it combines everything I love—spicy buffalo heat, creamy textures, and the comforting embrace of a pasta bake.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Need it milder? Just reduce the hot sauce. Craving more crunch? Add extra potato chips on top.
Truth be told, the combination of that creamy mushroom soup with tangy hot sauce creates magic that’s hard to resist.
And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, meaning everyone at your table can enjoy it without worry. Comfort food that’s inclusive, now that’s a win.
