Are you a LOVER of buffalo chicken dip, like I am??  So much so that you’ve eaten a whole slew of it as a meal?  Have no shame!  We’re not alone. ; )  But now we can feel better about the buffalo chicken indulgence with this HEALTHY (yes, healthy – that wasn’t a typo) pasta bake!!!  This recipe is even 21 Day Fix approved!  No cream cheese.  No Ranch.  No problem!  It’s certainly NOT lacking in the flavor (or creamy texture) that the original buffalo chicken dip recipe has.  Plus, it’s quick and easy!  Can’t beat that, right?

PREP TIME: 15-20 minutes; COOK TIME: 15-20 minutes; TOTAL TIME: 30-40 minutes; SERVES: 4-6 adults

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb of veggie or whole wheat pasta (I prefer penne, medium shells, or elbow macaroni)
  • 10 oz of plain fat free Greek yogurt (I usually use Chaboni – 2 individual containers)
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (I like Frank’s Red Hot Original) – more or less to taste, depending on your desired level of heat, but start with less…you can always add more!
  • 1-2 cups shredded cheese (I like the Mexican four cheese blend or just cheddar jack)
  • 2 cups shredded chicken (I like buying a whole already roasted chicken from the grocery store and just shredding that, but you can certainly roast one yourself or cook up a few breasts instead)
  • 2-3 stalks of celery (optional garnish)
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing (another optional garnish, but leave these out if you are going fully 21 Day Fix approved)

 

     

DIRECTIONS:

  • Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
  • While oven preheats, boil water and cook pasta
  • While pasta cooks, shred already cooked chicken (or cook through and then shred, using two forks)
  • In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt and hot sauce (adjust hot sauce to taste, you can always slowly add more)
  • In a large baking dish, mix cooked chicken and pasta with yogurt/hot sauce mix
  • OPTIONAL: mix 1 cup of shredded cheese in with chicken, pasta and sauce (you can leave this cup out to keep the fat down for the 21 Day Fix)
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the surface
  • Bake (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes (or until cheese is melted and starting to brown)
  • OPTIONAL: serve with thinly sliced celery and/or Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing drizzled across individual servings

NOTE: I like to serve this dish by itself or with a side salad.  However you serve it, I guarantee you won’t hear any complaints!  : )