If you crave the bold, spicy kick of buffalo wings but want the cozy comfort of a creamy pasta, Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to become your new obsession. This irresistible dish tosses tender chicken, hot and tangy buffalo sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses with pasta, creating a meal that’s satisfying enough for game night but easy enough for a weeknight. Every bite brings a dreamy combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and just the right amount of heat, making Buffalo Chicken Pasta the ultimate mashup for flavor lovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta keeps things simple, using just a handful of classic ingredients to create layers of big, bold flavor. Every component is carefully chosen to deliver a punchy taste, velvety texture, and that signature orange color you expect from buffalo-inspired recipes.
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Twisty shapes like rotini or penne hold onto all the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to brown the chicken without masking its flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): The foundation of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta—mild, juicy, and full of protein.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in your chicken and sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that irresistible, aromatic layer no pasta dish should be without.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): The spicy, tangy heart of the dish—choose your favorite brand and dial up or down according to your heat preference!
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Cooling and creamy, either choice brings a classic buffalo pairing into the sauce.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Makes the sauce incredibly smooth and adds just a hint of tang.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and balances out the heat so every bite is lush and flavorful.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully into the pasta and gives those lovely cheese pulls.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): For a pop of color and sharpness to the cheesy mix.
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish): Their mild bite adds freshness and a touch of green on top.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A simple way to add color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Get things started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Let it cook until al dente so it retains a pleasant bite even after being coated in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water in case you want to thin out the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then sauté them until fully cooked and lightly golden all over. Make sure not to crowd the pan, so the chicken browns rather than steams.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds. This quick step allows the garlic to become aromatic, infusing the chicken with another layer of deliciousness without burning it.
Step 4: Make That Creamy Buffalo Sauce
Turn the heat to medium-low, then pour in the buffalo wing sauce and your chosen dressing (either ranch or blue cheese for that classic tang). Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is velvety smooth and orange.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta straight to the skillet and give everything a big, satisfying toss—aim for every piece to be coated in that spicy, creamy goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help blend things together.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and sprinkle in both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until they melt into the sauce, creating the ultimate creamy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. The sauce should look glossy and feel nice and stretchy—music to any cheese lover’s ears!
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Spoon generous servings into bowls, then shower the top with sliced green onions and a handful of chopped parsley if you like. Those fresh garnishes brighten the flavors and make everything pop with color.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Always finish Buffalo Chicken Pasta with a flourish. Sliced green onions offer a mellow crunch, while fresh parsley adds a hint of herbal brightness. For even more of that buffalo-wing feel, sprinkle on a bit of blue cheese crumbles.
Side Dishes
This pasta packs a punch, so round out your table with crisp celery sticks or a simple green salad. Garlic bread is also a favorite—perfect for scooping up any extra sauce from your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, transfer the finished Buffalo Chicken Pasta to a casserole dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly for that irresistible, crispy topping. Or, serve in individual ramekins for fun, personal-sized portions—everyone will feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Buffalo Chicken Pasta stays creamy and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
Need to save some for later? Buffalo Chicken Pasta freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, divide into portions, and freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well and enjoy—you’ll still get those gooey, cheesy bites every time.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Definitely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts for Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Just stir it in with the sauces and cheeses to warm through.
Which buffalo sauce is best for this recipe?
Any classic buffalo sauce works, whether mild or extra-spicy—choose your favorite brand. If you like a bit of sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of honey as well.
Can Buffalo Chicken Pasta be made vegetarian?
Absolutely, just swap the chicken for sautéed cauliflower, tofu, or a plant-based chicken substitute. The creamy, spicy sauce still makes the dish shine.
How can I make it extra spicy?
Double up on the buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce directly into the creamy mixture. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for spice lovers.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is fantastic for meal prep since it reheats beautifully and packs a complete meal in one bowl. It’s also great for taking to work or school lunches—just keep garnishes separate until serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving major flavor with minimum fuss, Buffalo Chicken Pasta delivers every time. Don’t hesitate to give this comfort food twist a try—it’s a weeknight winner and guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Grab your ingredients and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of buffalo chicken combined with creamy pasta in this easy-to-make and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil and drain the pasta according to package instructions.
- Sear the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken in olive oil until done. Add garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in buffalo sauce, ranch/blue cheese dressing, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine: Mix in pasta, mozzarella, and cheddar until cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste.
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken for a quicker option.
- Dish can be baked for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
