If you crave a meal that brings spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness all in one bowl, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish. Combining tender shredded chicken with zesty buffalo sauce, smooth cream cheese, and melty cheddar and mozzarella, it’s like your favorite buffalo wings took a delicious pasta bath. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dinner that’s everything you want: flavorful, easy to make, and totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the kick of buffalo sauce, everything comes together to create that perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and cheesy that this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is famous for.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Choose your favorite shape to hold all the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Adds hearty protein and soaks up the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and layering in flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle aromatic kick to the sauce.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: The spicy heart of the dish giving it that signature tang.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: Adds creamy coolness that balances the heat.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates rich, velvety smoothness in the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it gives the dish a satisfying gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Adds light, stretchy cheese pull perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: A mild smoky note that deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts that savory, garlicky goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to season the dish just right.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild onion bite.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who love a punch of distinct, tangy sharpness with every bite.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures it has just the right bite and holds the creamy buffalo sauce without getting mushy when combined later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sautéing it for a couple of minutes releases its fragrant aroma, setting a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, softened cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring frequently to melt everything into a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly balances spice and richness.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Fold in the shredded chicken, allowing it to soak up all those bold buffalo flavors. This ensures every bite is bursting with that signature spicy tang.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Mix in the drained pasta along with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the pasta is evenly coated in that irresistible buffalo creaminess.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and top with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if you’re using it. These final touches bring freshness and an extra pop of flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions add a crisp bite and vibrant color while blue cheese crumbles create a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little extra if you’re a cheese lover!
Side Dishes
Serve with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. Crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks are also a fun and classic accompaniment that complements the buffalo theme perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, bake the Buffalo Chicken Pasta in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy golden crust. Alternatively, serve it in pasta bowls with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a restaurant-style touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors might even deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavors stay fantastic.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help revive the creamy texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly and you can shred it right before mixing it into the sauce for the freshest taste.
What kind of pasta works best in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
You can use penne, rotini, or shells since their shapes hold onto the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta too.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat largely depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you prefer milder flavors, use a milder sauce or reduce the amount slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While traditionally made with chicken, you can swap shredded chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist, and it still tastes amazing!
What’s the best dressing to use, ranch or blue cheese?
Both add creaminess and balance the spice but blue cheese gives a sharper tang while ranch is milder and more herbaceous. Pick whichever suits your taste!
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is pure comfort food magic—full of bold flavors and rich textures that come together in about 25 minutes. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a surefire way to bring some cozy excitement to your dinner table. Give it a try and get ready for some serious deliciousness!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheeses, mixed with perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner, offering a zesty and comforting meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce: Add the buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and heated through.
- Add chicken: Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring it is well coated and heated evenly.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. Serve warm immediately and enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness level.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheeses and dressings.
- Blue cheese garnish is optional but adds authentic flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente for best texture.
