The Creamiest Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta brings together the best of comfort food and zesty flavors in one incredible dish.

Spicy buffalo sauce coats tender chicken pieces mixed with perfectly al dente pasta.

Every bite promises a delightful kick that makes your taste buds dance with excitement.

Ingredients come together seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with just a few simple steps.

Blending classic buffalo wing enthusiasm with hearty pasta makes this dish a guaranteed winner at any dinner table.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering combination of heat and creaminess.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Dish Overview

• Satisfy Cravings Quickly: Enjoy a delicious Asian-inspired meal that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements with a blend of sauces that create an irresistible taste profile anyone can appreciate.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to different dietary preferences and family tastes.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pan cooking method that saves time and reduces dish-washing hassle, making meal preparation a breeze.

Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Classic pasta shape that serves as the hearty foundation of this buffalo chicken dish.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs the bold buffalo sauce and adds substance to the recipe.

• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and tangy condiment that gives the dish its signature kick.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy component that creates a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy dressing that enhances the flavor profile and adds depth.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté garlic for deep flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust base note to the dish.
• Cheese: Melty ingredient that contributes to the sauce's creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor.

Stepwise Preparation For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside, ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Butter

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic flavors, creating a mouthwatering base.

Step 3: Introduce Spicy Chicken

Add shredded chicken to the skillet and pour buffalo sauce over it. Stir carefully to ensure every chicken piece gets coated in the fiery, tangy sauce.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and dressing (choose between ranch or blue cheese). Whisk the ingredients together, creating a smooth and rich sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Into Sauce

• Shredded cheddar
• Monterey jack
• Cream cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss and fold until every pasta strand is evenly covered with the spicy, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Top with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Transfer to serving plates and enjoy this tantalizing buffalo chicken pasta while it’s hot and creamy.

Kitchen Tips For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce from diluting flavors. Choose high-quality buffalo sauce for maximum tangy kick and adjust spiciness according to preference. Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and more convenient shredding. Consider Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for healthier version. Sprinkle extra blue cheese crumbles on top for enhanced creamy texture and intense flavor profile.

Flavor Variations For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, using the same buffalo sauce technique for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Buffalo Pasta: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired buffalo flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Zoodle Bowl: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, maintaining the classic buffalo chicken sauce and creamy elements.
• One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac: Simplify the cooking process by preparing everything in a single pot, reducing cleanup and streamlining meal preparation.

Complementary Dishes For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Game Night Munchies: Scoop this zesty pasta into small appetizer cups for easy party snacking. Guests can grab and go without messy plates.
• Tailgate Touchdown Dish: Pack in a portable container for outdoor sports events. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum crowd-pleasing potential.
• Comfort Food Comfort Zone: Pair with crispy garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug. The creamy pasta becomes the star of family dinner night.
• Spicy Lunch Remix: Portion into meal prep containers for a quick workday lunch that breaks up midday monotony. Sprinkle extra green onions or blue cheese crumbles on top for extra flavor punch.

Proper Storage For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce smoothness.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Divide into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Label with the date and contents to keep track of storage time.

FAQs

• Is buffalo sauce very spicy?

Buffalo sauce ranges from mild to hot. You can control the heat by choosing mild or classic buffalo sauce, or mixing with more cream to reduce spiciness.

• Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned chicken work great in this recipe. For vegetarian options, try using tofu or chickpeas.

• What if I don't have ranch dressing?

You can substitute blue cheese dressing, or make a quick alternative by mixing sour cream with some herbs and a little milk to thin it out.

• How can I make this dish less caloric?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, choose a lower-fat cheese, and use whole wheat pasta to add more nutrition and reduce overall calories.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken pasta delivers a flavor-packed meal that combines creamy sauce with zesty hot sauce. Buffalo chicken lovers will savor each bite of this comforting, easy-to-make dish that satisfies hunger and craves.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups (16 oz) cooked chicken, shredded
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat skillet over medium temperature, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
3. Introduce shredded chicken to skillet, coating thoroughly with buffalo sauce for robust flavor infusion.
4. Create creamy sauce by incorporating heavy cream and ranch dressing, whisking until smooth and consistent.
5. Gradually sprinkle cheese into mixture, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta into sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with spicy, creamy mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile, adjusting seasoning as needed.
8. Optionally garnish with finely chopped green onions for fresh, zesty finish.
9. Plate immediately while sauce remains warm and serve hot for optimal texture and flavor experience.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushy texture when mixed with creamy sauce.
• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by using mild or hot versions depending on spice preference.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie alternative.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken for faster meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg