Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or rotini pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

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Get ready to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, the comforting mashup of spicy, creamy, cheesy bliss you never knew you needed. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a punchy buffalo sauce that hits all the right notes, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular at your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends, or seeking a way to turn up the weeknight flavor meter, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe checks every box for easy prep, bold taste, and pure joy in every bite.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to bring vibrant flavor together with just a handful of essential ingredients. Each item in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a starring role, bringing that spicy-tangy-creamy magic to the plate.

12 oz penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold the sauce perfectly, making every bite deliciously coated.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Gives the shredded chicken a quick saute while adding a touch of richness to the base.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken makes this both fast and full of flavor.
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The true “zing” of the dish—adjust to your preferred spice level!
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce gloriously creamy and helps mellow out the heat.
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Bring on the cool, herby flavor; ranch is classic, blue cheese is bold.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for sharp, gooey goodness.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that irresistible stretchy factor.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A little garlic goes a long way for savoriness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Just enough to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish: A fresh pop of color and a bit of crunch right at the end.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your penne or rotini. The salt not only seasons the pasta itself but also enhances the final dish. Cook according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente, then drain well and set aside. Al dente pasta gives the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe its perfect toothsome bite and ensures it won’t become mushy when tossed with the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Base

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and stir to combine, allowing it to warm through for a minute or two. Give your chicken some extra love by letting it get a little golden—this adds delicious depth and a subtle caramelized flavor to the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, then add the softened cream cheese and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing. Stir constantly, breaking up the cream cheese as you go. It might look a bit lumpy at first, but keep stirring—the magic happens when the sauce becomes silky smooth and all the flavors meld together. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and give it a taste; adjust salt and pepper as needed. At this stage, the kitchen smells incredible!

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is thick, velvety, and gloriously cheesy. You’re aiming for a luscious sauce that clings to every bit of chicken and pasta in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing to make sure every piece is coated in that dreamy buffalo cheese sauce. Give everything a couple more minutes on the heat so the flavors can truly come together and the pasta is hot throughout. That’s it—your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a punch of color and freshness. If you’re a true buffalo lover, an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles never hurt. These garnishes add brightness and a touch of crunch, perfectly balancing the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pair this bold pasta meal with a crisp, cool salad tossed in ranch or blue cheese dressing, or classic celery sticks for that iconic buffalo experience. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower make great veggie sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise a crowd by serving Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in mini oven-safe dishes, topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly. Or, pile the pasta into bell pepper halves, then bake for a playful, colorful twist. For game day or parties, scoop the pasta into small bowls or cups, add toothpicks, and let guests enjoy as a fiery appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making for delightfully easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This pasta actually freezes quite well. Cool it down completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within two months for maximum flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to help loosen up the sauce, then warm gently over medium heat until hot and creamy. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each to make sure it heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use any type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are favorites because they catch plenty of sauce, any short or medium pasta shape will work. Even spaghetti or shells make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe totally crave-worthy.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It definitely has a kick, but you control the heat. Use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild version if you’re spice-shy. Add more or top with extra sauce if you love things fiery!

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish completely, let it cool, and store as directed above. For best results, add a splash of milk or extra dressing when reheating to bring back creaminess.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You bet—try swapping in cooked cauliflower florets, roasted chickpeas, or your favorite meatless chicken strips. The sauce works beautifully with a vegetarian base.

Can I bake this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! After mixing the pasta and sauce, pour it into a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a fantastic twist, especially for serving a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Bold, creamy, and downright addictive—this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a comfort food classic, and then some. It’s easy, glorious, and always a hit, so gather your favorite people and dig in. You’ve got dinner heroes on your hands!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy pasta with this easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s a delicious one-pot meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne or rotini pasta

Chicken Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare Chicken Mixture: Cook chicken in olive oil, add buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Mix in garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Toss in cooked pasta.
Final Steps: Heat through, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.