If you love the bold, tangy heat of buffalo chicken and the creamy comfort of pasta, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe will be your new weeknight obsession. Perfectly cooked noodles are tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce packed with juicy shredded chicken, melting cheeses, and a pop of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Whether you’re feeding a game-day crowd or just spicing up your dinner routine, this dish delivers all the irresistible flavor you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the short ingredient list — every single item here works wonders in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. These simple staples layer on savory, spicy, and creamy notes, making each bite balanced and seriously satisfying.
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta: These shapes soak up all the creamy, spicy sauce for extra flavor in every forkful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle helps saute the garlic and infuse depth into the base of your sauce.
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken means this dish comes together in a flash (but any cooked chicken works beautifully).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a punchy aroma that turns up the flavor dial.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: This is where all that signature zing comes from — choose your favorite brand or homemade blend.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese melts into the sauce, making everything velvety and rich.
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: This gives the dish its unmistakable coolness to balance the spicy kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings sharp, classic comfort to the party.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds unbeatable stretch and gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Don’t forget this — it’s key to ensuring that perfectly silky sauce consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Finish with these essentials for perfectly seasoned pasta.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): A little sprinkle gives a fresh color and slight crunch on top.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping): For a real buffalo experience, a bit of blue cheese on top adds fun pungency.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente — don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining! This step sets the foundation for a sauce that clings to every piece, making your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe extra creamy.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it releases its fragrance — it’ll be just enough to wake up all the flavors, without letting the garlic burn.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add your shredded chicken to the skillet, along with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir until every bite of chicken is thoroughly coated in that spicy, tangy goodness. You should already smell how tempting this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be!
Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add in the softened cream cheese. Stir patiently as it melts and blends with the sauce, turning everything thick and luscious. Next, pour in the ranch or blue cheese dressing and mix until you have a gorgeous, creamy base.
Step 5: Add Cheeses and Pasta Water
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring to melt them into the sauce. Gradually mix in your reserved pasta water, just a bit at a time — this will help you achieve an ultra-silky consistency that hugs each noodle.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish
Add the drained pasta right into the skillet and toss until everything is completely coated in sauce. Give it a taste, then season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve it up while it’s warm, and don’t skimp on the garnishes for the full Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe experience!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter a big handful of sliced green onions right over the top for color and crunch. If you’re a true buffalo lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle on some crumbled blue cheese for a tangy punch that really complements the creamy, spicy base.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is hearty on its own, but a simple side salad with crisp greens and ranch dressing makes a perfect partner. For game-day spreads, serve it up with crunchy celery sticks or even some baked potato wedges to cool things off.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins for a cozy, personalized touch. Another fun option is to top the pasta with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce, a sprinkle of blue cheese, and bake it for a few minutes until bubbly and golden — think of it as a spicy buffalo pasta bake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for three to four days without losing its flavor or creamy texture — if anything, the flavors deepen and mellow overnight.
Freezing
This dish actually holds up well in the freezer. Cool the pasta completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months; just be sure to thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To bring your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as it warms, and stir often for that creamy, just-cooked consistency. Finish with fresh garnishes for a restaurant-worthy result.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great for holding onto sauce, feel free to use any short pasta like shells, fusilli, or even macaroni. As long as it’s sturdy enough to support the sauce, you’ll get fabulous results.
Is it possible to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pasta and sauce ahead, then store them together or separately in the fridge. Just reheat and toss everything together before serving, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to keep things creamy.
Can I make it less spicy?
Definitely. For a milder Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use more ranch/blue cheese dressing. You have full control over the heat level, and it will still taste fantastic.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving favorite, but any cooked, shredded chicken will shine in this recipe. Grilled or baked chicken breast, or even leftover roasted chicken, all work beautifully.
How do I make it vegetarian?
If you skip the chicken and swap in roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, you’ll still have an amazing, hearty meal! Make sure your buffalo sauce and dressing are vegetarian-friendly, and enjoy a meatless twist on this crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food upgrade — spicy, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. If you’ve got a craving for something bold and satisfying, don’t wait another day to try it out. I promise, once you make this once, it’ll be on your regular dinner rotation in no time!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and spicy flavors of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook Chicken Mixture: Saute garlic, add chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir in cream cheese, dressing, and cheeses until melted. Gradually add pasta water for a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Toss drained pasta in the skillet with the chicken mixture. Season to taste. Serve topped with green onions and optional blue cheese.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more buffalo sauce or cayenne.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be used.
- Ranch dressing offers a milder flavor compared to blue cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
