Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Get ready for a crave-worthy classic with a spicy twist: the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe brings together the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings and the comforting creaminess of cheesy pasta in one irresistible dish. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, buffalo-spiked sauce, packed with tender shreds of chicken and finished with a gooey cheese blend. This easy weeknight dinner delivers heat, tang, and decadence for everyone at the table—family or friends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The dazzling flavor in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe starts with simple, familiar ingredients that each play a starring role. From the pasta base to the finishing touch of green onions, every component adds a unique texture, color, or depth to the final dish.
- Pasta (12 ounces, penne or rotini): Both types soak up the creamy sauce beautifully and give that satisfying bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Builds a rich base to sauté the garlic, making everything extra fragrant.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, savory aroma and flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut hero here, but any cooked chicken works.
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup): The signature spicy kick—adjust for more or less heat.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess that tames the buffalo sauce just enough.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lends depth and keeps the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Pumps up the sharp, cheesy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): For maximum gooey melt and that “stringy cheese” appeal.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Makes the sauce extra-silky and creamy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to dial up the flavors just right.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish): Brightens up the finished dish with herbaceous color and freshness.
- Optional blue cheese crumbles for topping: For those blue cheese lovers who want an extra punch of classic buffalo flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is the foundation for perfect pasta! Add your chosen penne or rotini and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente (usually about 9–10 minutes). Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it—you want those starches to help the sauce cling beautifully. Set aside while you make the creamy buffalo magic.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s just foamy. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, taking care it doesn’t brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells extra amazing—this simple step adds a huge flavor punch right at the start.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
Add the shredded chicken directly to the garlicky butter. Pour in the buffalo sauce and stir everything together, letting the chicken soak up that unmistakable spicy-tangy flavor for 2–3 minutes. This is where the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe gets its signature kick!
Step 4: Stir in Creamy Elements
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then drop in the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce looks smooth, dreamy, and slightly thickened. This is the moment the sauce comes together—rich, velvety, and unbelievably tempting!
Step 5: Get Cheesy!
Turn the heat to low and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring gently as they melt into the sauce, turning everything into a cheesy, spicy wonderland. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well, making sure every piece is coated in that irresistible buffalo-cheese sauce. Let the pasta simmer for another 2–3 minutes so everything heats through and the flavors become best friends.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe over the top by scattering chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top. If you love bold flavors, sprinkle over some blue cheese crumbles right before serving. Grab your bowls and dig in while it’s piping hot!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish quite like finishing touches. A handful of chopped green onions brings a pop of color and freshness, while parsley offers a subtle herby note. For those who can’t resist classic buffalo pairings, a shower of blue cheese crumbles on top takes this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe from tasty to legendary. Don’t forget a little extra buffalo sauce drizzle for those who crave more heat!
Side Dishes
Looking to turn this recipe into a full table spread? Pair it with a cool, crunchy salad (think ranch or blue cheese dressing), some carrot and celery sticks for that wing-inspired flair, or warm up a loaf of garlic bread to swipe through every last bit of sauce. Even simple steamed broccoli or oven-roasted veggies make a delicious, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have fun with presentation, try serving the pasta in individual mini cast-iron skillets, or load it into a big casserole dish, add more cheese on top, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish. Going all out? Pile the pasta high in bowls and pass around a toppings bar of extra cheese, hot sauce, and green onion, so everyone can personalize their own Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Buffalo Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for easy lunches or next-day dinners. The flavors get even better after a little rest!
Freezing
For longer storage, this recipe can be frozen—just skip the garnishes and transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and smooth.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, place your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore all that luscious sauciness. Stir gently until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch; just cover the bowl loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. Just shred, measure, and toss it in for deliciously tender bites with minimal prep.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes—you can easily control the heat by reducing the amount of buffalo sauce or using a mild version. Add extra cream or a dollop of ranch dressing when mixing the sauce for a gentler kick.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
While penne and rotini are favorites because they grab onto the sauce so well, feel free to try rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just pick a shape that can handle all that creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure the buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Of course! Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end, or toss in steamed broccoli before serving for extra color and nutrition. Veggies like diced bell pepper or cooked zucchini also work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a truly satisfying comfort meal that packs some heat and a lot of personality, give this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe a spot on your dinner table. With just a bit of prep and a whole lot of flavor, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite everyone asks for again and again!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s a quick and easy stovetop dish that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
- Optional blue cheese crumbles for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken and buffalo sauce, pour in cream and broth, stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add cheeses: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Add pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions, parsley, or blue cheese crumbles.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste
- Rotisserie chicken works well
- Optional: add spinach or broccoli for extra veggies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
