If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors all wrapped up in comforting pasta, then you have to try this incredible Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that instantly becomes a crowd favorite, combining tender shredded chicken, a zesty buffalo wing sauce, and gooey cheese with the ease of a one-pan dinner. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is super simple, yet every item plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and the perfect kick of heat. From tender pasta to rich cream cheese and vibrant cheeses, each component brings something special to your bowl.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The ideal shape to hold the creamy sauce and spicy chicken bits perfectly in every bite.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened: This adds luscious creaminess that balances the buffalo sauce heat.
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended): The star of the dish, delivering that authentic tangy, spicy flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings an aromatic background note that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and perfectly seasons the dish.
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded: Tender, protein-packed, and ready to soak up the sauce richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and color contrast to the creamy buffalo pasta.
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Perfect for drizzling on top as a cool, creamy finish that complements the spice.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. This ensures a slight bite that holds up well when tossed in the sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to be combined with the creamy buffalo goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, start building your sauce by warming cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir this mixture constantly to ensure the cream cheese melts evenly and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. This step is key to getting that dreamy, luscious texture everyone will love.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Next, add garlic powder and kosher salt into the simmering sauce, whisking them in thoroughly. These simple yet crucial seasonings bring depth to the buffalo sauce, balancing out the heat and highlighting the rich creaminess perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the shredded cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything carefully, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated with that spicy, creamy buffalo sauce. This combination is where all the magic begins to happen.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese gently, allowing them to melt seamlessly into the pasta mixture. The melting cheese creates a beautifully indulgent layer that boosts the flavor and gives a delightful gooey texture that’s almost impossible to resist.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once your cheese is melted and the pasta is bubbling with spicy cheesy goodness, take it off the heat. Serve it up right away, and don’t forget a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if you like that cool contrast that perfectly complements buffalo wing flavors.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this pasta even more. Try topping it with some finely chopped green onions, fresh celery sticks on the side, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic carrot and celery sticks will offer a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic companions here.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls to impress guests or family members. You could also bake it with an extra layer of cheese on top for 10 minutes to get a golden crusty finish—utterly irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a convenient dish for meal prep, and flavors often meld even more after resting a bit.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for long-term storage because of the cream cheese and buffalo sauce, which may change texture. However, you can freeze cooked pasta and chicken separately and combine fresh when reheating, which helps maintain the best taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving is convenient too, but stirring halfway through ensures even heating and prevents the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli work wonderfully and add lovely texture variations.
Is it okay to use store-bought cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken saves time and works perfectly in this recipe, so no need to cook chicken from scratch unless you want to.
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your heat preference, or swap it for a milder buffalo sauce if you want less kick. Adding ranch or blue cheese dressing on top can also tone down the spice.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key for that creamy texture and tang, but you could experiment with cream or Greek yogurt for different but tasty results, keeping in mind the sauce consistency may vary.
Can I add vegetables to the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Adding diced celery, bell peppers, or even spinach can add brightness and extra nutrition without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves big flavors paired with simple preparation. Its creamy, spicy, and cheesy profile hits all the right notes and is perfect for sharing on any occasion. I promise once you try it, it’ll become one of your beloved go-to meals that you’ll want to make over and over again!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and melted cheeses for a comforting and flavorful dinner that’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Protein
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season: Add garlic powder and kosher salt to the sauce. Whisk thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the buffalo sauce.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is creamy and luscious.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast or thigh depending on your preference for flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the spice level.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a nice cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor but is optional.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding to the skillet for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
