If you love bold flavors, comforting pasta, and a little spicy kick, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe absolutely needs to make its way into your weekly rotation! Picture tender penne swimming in a creamy, tangy buffalo sauce, with juicy shredded chicken and melty cheese throughout every bite. This dish combines everything wonderful about buffalo chicken wings with cheesy pasta goodness, making it a major crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit for game day, family dinners, or anytime you want something a little indulgent that’s super easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is in how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something so crave-worthy. Each item serves its own delicious purpose, from adding spice and creaminess to creating that signature stretchy, gooey finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Penne Pasta: Its ridges and tube shape catch all that tasty sauce for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- Butter: Lends richness and helps bring the sauce together, melting seamlessly with the buffalo sauce and cheeses.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast works perfectly, making this dish super speedy and hearty.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star ingredient, delivering heat and tang for that essential buffalo punch.
- Cream Cheese: Adds undeniable creaminess and balances out the spice with a cooling, velvety texture.
- Ranch Dressing (or Blue Cheese Dressing): A classic cooling buttery note, essential for authentic buffalo flavor.
- Sour Cream: Smooths the sauce, giving it body and a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharpness, richness, and the sought-after cheese pull.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, making the whole dish ultra-gooey and satisfying.
- Chopped Green Onions (optional): For a hit of freshness and a pop of color right at the end.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Heighten and balance the bold flavors to perfection.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Be careful not to overcook – you want the pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce without getting mushy! Once done, drain it well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Cream Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the buffalo wing sauce and softened cream cheese, stirring gently until the cream cheese melts down and the mixture gets beautifully smooth. This forms that mouthwatering base your pasta will cling to.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the ranch (or blue cheese) dressing and sour cream for extra creaminess. Once it’s all incorporated, add your shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. Let everything mingle on low-medium heat for a few minutes so those flavors can really get cozy together.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Cheeses
Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet. Give it all a thorough toss so every bite is coated in sauce. Now sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring as they melt, so you end up with a creamy, cheesy, slightly stretchy pasta that’s impossible to resist. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat, and if you’re using them, sprinkle fresh chopped green onions over the top for color and a mild oniony kick. Serve up immediately while it’s piping hot and enjoy that buffalo goodness!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, scatter extra green onions, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, or even a little drizzle of extra buffalo sauce over each portion. If you love a little texture, add some crispy fried onions or crunchy celery on the side—both offer a pleasant contrast to the creamy pasta.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp, cool salad. Try a simple romaine and celery salad with a light ranch drizzle, or add a basket of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. For a true party feast, serve with classic carrot sticks and even more ranch or blue cheese dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this pasta into a fun baked dish by topping it with a little more cheese and popping it under the broiler until bubbly and golden. For potlucks or gatherings, serve individual portions in ramekins. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve atop a bed of greens for a spicy pasta salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often get even better as everything melds together.
Freezing
This pasta dish freezes surprisingly well! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to evenly warm everything through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle will work beautifully in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. Just avoid long pastas like spaghetti to maximize sauce coverage.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Yes! Choose a milder buffalo sauce, increase the ranch or sour cream, and reduce the buffalo sauce amount. Taste as you go so you get just the right amount of kick for your preferences.
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the pasta and sauce, combine as directed, then store in a covered baking dish. Reheat in the oven with extra cheese on top just before serving for a hot, bubbly party-perfect meal.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
A rotisserie chicken is the fastest route—simply pull the meat apart with your fingers or two forks. You can also use poached or roasted chicken breast/thigh, whatever you have on hand, for flexibility and less waste.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted cauliflower for an extra dose of veggies. They meld right into the sauce and add beautiful color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the way this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe satisfies every craving—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and so comforting! I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own. Share it with friends and family, tweak it to your taste, and most importantly, enjoy every saucy bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. A creamy and spicy pasta dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a rich buffalo sauce and two types of cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
1 pound penne pasta
Chicken:
1 pound cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing), 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning:
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional), salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, add buffalo sauce and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in ranch dressing, sour cream, and chicken.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
- You can also use hot sauce in place of buffalo sauce for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
