If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, shredded chicken tossed in a creamy and spicy buffalo sauce, blended perfectly with melted cheeses and tender pasta. Every bite delivers that irresistible combination of tangy, savory, and just the right amount of heat, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the rich texture, vibrant color, and mouthwatering flavor of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. From the spicy buffalo sauce that brings the heat to the creamy cheeses that soften the bite, every item is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Choose your favorite shape to hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender protein that soaks up all the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant base that wakes up the sauce.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: The star ingredient, bringing that signature spicy kick.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: Creamy balance to the heat, choose your favorite.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: For luscious creaminess and smooth blending.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth to the cheesy sauce.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, irresistible texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to tie everything together.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Provides freshness and a mild crunch.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For that classic bold and tangy topping.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package directions. This is important because you want the pasta to hold its shape and texture once mixed with the creamy buffalo sauce later on. Drain it well and set aside, ready for the next delicious step.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until you catch that amazing, fragrant aroma. This little bit of golden garlic forms the flavorful base of our sauce.
Step 3: Create the Buffalo Cheese Sauce
Now, stir in the buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring frequently so the cream cheese melts smoothly, resulting in a velvety, rich sauce with just the right amount of spice.
Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken
Toss the shredded chicken into the skillet, making sure every piece gets coated generously with the creamy buffalo sauce. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, intensifying the heartiness of the dish.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheeses
Next up, add the cooked pasta along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt perfectly, creating a luscious, sticky coating on every bite of pasta and chicken alike.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. If you love blue cheese, crumble some over the dish now to elevate the tangy profile even more. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, spicy joy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor that balances the creamy buffalo sauce wonderfully. For lovers of bold flavors, a light sprinkle of blue cheese crumble adds an extra punch that keeps every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables gives a fresh contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a few green onions, then broil until bubbly. It’s perfect for dinner parties or when you want to impress with minimal fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta stores exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option that tastes even better.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember that cream cheese and fresh garnishes may change texture slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. Microwave works too—cover the dish loosely and heat in short bursts to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked, shredded chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can cook diced chicken directly in the skillet before making the sauce. Just ensure it is cooked through and tender before adding the sauce ingredients.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the traditional recipe centers on chicken, you could swap in sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based chicken substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is buffalo sauce very spicy?
Buffalo sauce has a moderate heat level that can be adjusted by choosing milder or spicier brands. If you want less heat, mellow out the sauce with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short, tubular shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they catch the thick, creamy sauce perfectly, giving you flavor in every single bite.
Can I use pre-shredded cheeses?
Pre-shredded cheeses work fine, but freshly shredded cheese tends to melt better and creates a creamier texture, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is the kind of comforting meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. With its perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and cheesy notes, plus the ease of pulling it together in under 30 minutes, it’s an unbeatable go-to for busy nights or anytime you want to treat yourself. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines tender shredded chicken, classic buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses for a flavorful and comforting weeknight meal. With a smooth, cheesy sauce and a hint of heat, this dish is perfect for buffalo chicken fans looking for a hearty pasta dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside to be added later in the dish.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Stir in buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Cook the mixture while stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add chicken: Incorporate the shredded cooked chicken into the skillet and toss it to coat evenly with the buffalo cheese sauce.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Mix well until the cheeses melt completely and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese over the top if using, adding a fresh and tangy finish.
- Serve warm: Plate the buffalo chicken pasta while hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a richer flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- To make it low carb, substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or other vegetables.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
