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.
