Zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe for Spice Lovers

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta brings a zesty kick to your weeknight dinner routine.

Spicy flavors dance across tender noodles, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Bold buffalo sauce transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

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

Minimal preparation time means you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under thirty minutes.

Crispy chicken pieces and rich, tangy sauce promise a memorable dining experience.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Family Dinners: This Buffalo chicken pasta brings zesty flavor that pleases everyone from kids to adults, making mealtime exciting and delicious.
• Simplify Cooking Process: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or advanced skills.
• Quick Comfort Food Solution: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tangy Buffalo sauce, this recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a satisfying and hearty dish that delivers maximum flavor in minimal preparation time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or weeknight dinners, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be customized with optional toppings like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the creamy Buffalo sauce and provides texture to the dish.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substance and carries the bold Buffalo flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers a signature spicy and tangy kick to the entire recipe.

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the sauce and helps develop deep flavors.
• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Combine to form a smooth, creamy, and indulgent sauce.

• Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste profile with depth and complexity.
• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright visual appeal.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Optional topping that adds extra creaminess and complements the Buffalo sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook exactly as the package recommends.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Butter

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Melt butter until it’s golden and bubbling. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its aromatic magic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Create Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Buffalo sauce
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth and starts to bubble gently.

Step 4: Incorporate Shredded Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the creamy sauce.

Stir and fold until every piece of chicken is completely coated. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy buffalo chicken sauce. Gently toss and fold until every pasta strand is gloriously covered in the spicy, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your personal taste preference. Give a final gentle stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Buffalo Chicken Pasta to serving plates. For an extra flavor boost, scatter chopped green onions on top.

If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing for a tangy finish.

Tips for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Success

• Select a high-quality Buffalo sauce for maximum flavor and heat control.
• Swap heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra moisture to the pasta.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and richer taste.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick if you prefer spicier Buffalo chicken pasta.

Variations on Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, using same Buffalo sauce and creamy base for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Buffalo Chicken: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining spicy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast for cheese, and dairy-free butter alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Add diced fresh jalapeños and increase hot sauce quantity for extra heat and depth of flavor, creating a more intense spicy experience.

Serving Ideas for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Cozy Game Night Delight: Serve this zesty pasta as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece during board game gatherings, letting friends dig into the spicy, creamy goodness between competitive rounds.
• Tailgate Party Star: Scoop this Buffalo chicken pasta into individual portions for a football watch party, pairing perfectly with cold drinks and game-day excitement.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack portions in meal prep containers for easy lunches, keeping the flavors vibrant and providing a satisfying midday protein boost that breaks the monotony of standard workplace meals.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform this dish into a comforting casserole by topping with crispy breadcrumbs and extra cheese before a quick broil, creating a golden, crunchy layer that elevates the creamy base.

FAQs

• Is Buffalo chicken pasta spicy?

Yes, it has a mild to medium heat from Buffalo sauce. You can adjust the spice level by using less or a milder hot sauce.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option that works perfectly in this dish and saves cooking time.

• What type of pasta works best for Buffalo chicken pasta?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and catch all the delicious flavors.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No, just a large skillet, pot for cooking pasta, and basic kitchen utensils like a spatula and knife are all you need to prepare this meal.

Quick Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken pasta combines zesty flavors from classic wing sauce with creamy pasta perfection. Hearty ingredients and bold seasonings create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave on game nights or whenever comfort food calls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Pasta and Main Components:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package guidelines; drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, releasing garlic’s aromatic essence until golden and fragrant.
3. Whisk together Buffalo sauce, heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, and paprika, creating a velvety, smooth sauce.
4. Incorporate shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to heat through for 3-4 minutes.
5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the spicy, creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, balancing the bold, tangy flavors.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, adorning with freshly chopped green onions and optional drizzle of cooling ranch or zesty blue cheese dressing.

Notes

• Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to match personal heat tolerance, using mild or adding hot sauce gradually for perfect flavor balance.
• Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary preferences.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or smoked gouda to create unique flavor profiles and creaminess.
• Prepare sauce and chicken separately, storing in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights, maintaining optimal texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg