If you’re a fan of zesty flavors and crave a cozy, comforting dish, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe was absolutely made for you. Imagine all that savory, spicy tang from your favorite buffalo wings, combined with tender pasta and a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce—every forkful packs a punch and warms you right up. It’s weeknight-friendly, party-perfect, and so crazy addictive you’ll want to share (but might not actually want to share). Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or whipping up a batch to impress your friends, the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe guarantees empty plates and happy bellies every single time.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a leading role, bringing out that iconic buffalo zing while layering the tanginess and creaminess that make this pasta irresistible. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need—plus a few tips to make each bite unforgettable!

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes are perfect for catching all that spicy, creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A little drizzle keeps everything from sticking and adds some richness to the sautéed garlic.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a weeknight superstar, but any pre-cooked chicken works in a pinch.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable—it delivers an aromatic kick that balances out the heat.
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The heart and soul of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, bringing that signature tangy fire.
1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing): This cools things down and adds a creamy, herby undertone.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for that smooth, luxurious sauce everyone loves.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for gooey, dreamy satisfaction.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Just the right amount of sharpness to balance the flavors.
1/4 cup reserved pasta water: Don’t toss this out! It helps loosen and silkify the sauce perfectly.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: A sprinkle or two brings all the bold flavors together.
Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness right at the end.
Crumbled blue cheese for garnish (optional): For blue cheese lovers, this adds that classic creamy-tangy finish.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water, bring it up to a rolling boil, and toss in your pasta. Cook until it’s perfectly al dente according to package directions. Right before draining, scoop out a bit of the pasta water and set it aside—it’ll help make your sauce extra silky later on. Drain the pasta and keep it handy.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta’s cooking, heat up the olive oil in your biggest skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute. You want it fragrant but not browned, so keep a close eye and let that aroma fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce Base

Now, pour in the buffalo wing sauce, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, and softened cream cheese right into the skillet. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce with that classic buffalo orange hue. Don’t worry if it looks a little odd at first—the cream cheese will melt and everything will come together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Toss your pre-cooked shredded chicken into the bubbling sauce. Let it simmer for two to three minutes, stirring gently, until the chicken is warmed through and beautifully coated in all that fiery, creamy goodness.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Cheeses

Tip your drained pasta into the skillet and add that reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, to help loosen the sauce. Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and keep mixing until they melt into pure, creamy bliss. Taste and add salt and pepper if you like.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Transfer your pasta to bowls and sprinkle generously with sliced green onions or crumbled blue cheese (or both!). Each serving should look as inviting as it tastes—creamy, golden, and flecked with vibrant greens.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of sliced green onions adds crunch and a fresh, zippy flavor that cuts right through the creamy heat. If you’re a blue cheese fan, a shower of crumbles makes this dish taste like your favorite wings in pasta form. A sprinkle of extra cheddar never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a meal in itself but loves good company! Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or celery sticks for a riff on classic buffalo sides. Toasty garlic bread is fantastic for mopping up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the finished pasta in a casserole dish under a broiler with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden top. For parties, serve it in individual ramekins or even in mini bread bowls. Leftovers make an epic stuffed pepper filling for the following night’s dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunch meal preps or a second quick dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the pasta, though the texture may change just a little because of the dairy. Let the pasta cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. It should keep for about two months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger amounts in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Stir gently to keep that sauce luscious and smooth. If baking, cover loosely with foil and place in a low oven until hot.

FAQs

What’s the best type Main Course

Penne and rotini are top choices because their shapes trap all the rich, spicy sauce. However, any short pasta like shells or rigatoni will work beautifully, so feel free to use what you have on hand!

How can I make this less spicy for kids or spice-sensitive eaters?

Use a milder buffalo or wing sauce, or reduce the amount and add more ranch or cream cheese to mellow the heat. You’ll still get great buffalo flavor, just with a bit less fire.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pasta and sauce, let it cool, and store covered in the fridge. You can even pop it in the oven with some extra cheese on top right before serving for a quick dinner solution.

What kind of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any leftover or cooked chicken breast or thigh meat can be used. Even grilled chicken adds a smoky touch!

Is there a way to make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Just swap the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check that your buffalo sauce and dressing are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays delightfully the same!

Final Thoughts

All it takes is one bite to fall for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe—it’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and so much fun to make. If you’re ready to shake up your pasta night, give this crowd-pleaser a try. There’s a good chance it’ll become your go-to comfort food, too!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. Perfectly seasoned shredded chicken is tossed with pasta in a decadent buffalo-ranch sauce, then baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Crumbled blue cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, cooked pasta, reserved water, and cheeses. Mix until melted.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with green onions or blue cheese, and serve hot.