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
Scale
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.
