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If you love bold flavors and comforting textures, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner obsession. It perfectly combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken, all tossed with tender penne pasta for a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping, this recipe hits all the right notes—zesty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, spice, and creaminess in your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each one brings something special—from the tangy buffalo wing sauce to the rich melted cheeses and hearty chicken, all coming together beautifully.
- 1 pound penne pasta: Provides the perfect sturdy base to soak up all the delicious sauce without getting soggy.
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended): Adds that iconic spicy, tangy kick that defines the dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough while adding a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle savory warmth that enhances the overall dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors to perfection.
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded: Tender, hearty protein that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the dish that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharpness that contrasts delightfully with the creaminess.
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): A cool, creamy topping that complements the spicy buffalo flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—perfectly tender but still with a slight bite. Once done, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. This step is crucial as the pasta texture is the foundation of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth over medium heat. Stir constantly as the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. This creamy, spicy mixture is what truly brings this dish to life.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Once your sauce is smooth, whisk in the garlic powder and kosher salt. These simple seasonings elevate the sauce, adding a subtle hint of depth that balances the tang of the buffalo sauce and the richness of the cream cheese.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Next, stir in your shredded cooked chicken along with the drained pasta, tossing everything to coat the noodles and chicken evenly in that luscious sauce. This step ensures every bite is infused with that signature Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring gently until they melt and blend seamlessly into the sauce. This cheesy combo gives the dish incredible gooeyness and a lovely depth of flavor that makes it totally irresistible.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe immediately. For an extra touch of creamy goodness, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if you like. It’s the perfect cool contrast to the spicy, cheesy pasta waiting on your plate.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe with fresh chopped green onions or sliced celery for some crunch and color. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or crumbled blue cheese adds richness and an eye-catching finish that makes your dish pop on the table.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a fresh garden salad, crunchy coleslaw, or steamed broccoli to add a refreshing green contrast and lighten up the meal. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also make perfect companions for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve in mini mason jars or individual ramekins at parties. Try topping with chopped crispy bacon or a drizzle of honey for a playful sweet-spicy note. You can even bake it briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that adds a delightful texture change.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely if you want to prep in advance. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore that creamy sauce texture. Be careful not to overheat or it might dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use rotini, fusilli, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. For a milder dish, use less sauce or opt for a milder buffalo sauce. Add more if you like a fiery kick.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken for sautéed cauliflower or a plant-based protein substitute, and omit the buffalo wing sauce or choose a vegetarian buffalo-style sauce for a meat-free but equally flavorful experience.
Is ranch or blue cheese dressing necessary?
Not at all, but it adds a lovely cool creaminess that complements the spicy sauce. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.
What is the best cheese combination for this recipe?
Mozzarella and cheddar are classic favorites here because mozzarella melts beautifully while cheddar adds sharpness. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and excitement packed into this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. I truly hope you give this dish a try — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a special treat for any night of the week!
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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 blends creamy, spicy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken and a cheesy pasta base. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. The rich, tangy sauce coats penne pasta and is topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, with an optional drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra creamy finish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
For the 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
For the Chicken and Cheese
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Topping
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth. Stir constantly and simmer until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add garlic powder and kosher salt to the sauce. Whisk well to ensure all the flavors are uniformly combined.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the buffalo sauce.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the skillet. Continue stirring gently until both cheeses have melted and are fully incorporated into the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately serve the pasta. Optionally, top each serving with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast or thigh for best texture and flavor; rotisserie chicken works well as a shortcut.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to help the sauce blend smoothly without lumps.
- For a lighter option, substitute reduced-fat cheese and cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
