The Sizzling Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Everyone Loves

Have you ever craved a mouthwatering buffalo chicken pasta that combines spicy kick with creamy comfort?

Unexpected flavor combinations can revolutionize weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Zesty buffalo sauce brings intense heat and tangy notes to traditional pasta dishes.

Shredded chicken adds protein and substance to this crowd-pleasing meal.

Mixing classic buffalo wing flavors with pasta creates an irresistible fusion that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Cheese and hot sauce meld together in a delightful dance of spiciness and richness.

Give this recipe a try and experience a culinary adventure that will become your new favorite dinner go-to.

What Makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta So Addictive

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering buffalo chicken pasta that combines zesty buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender shredded chicken for an unforgettable taste adventure.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique
• Customize and Comfort: Enjoy a versatile recipe that lets you adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, and create a hearty meal perfect for family dinners, game nights, or satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Quick One-Pot Dish: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet recipe that comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender meat for the main protein.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Tangy flavor enhancer.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty component.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy and mild cheese.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich ingredient.

• Pasta: Standard pasta for the base.
• Onions, Celery: Aromatic vegetables for depth.
• Garlic: Flavor-boosting ingredient.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes for sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid for cooking pasta.
• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and zesty sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat booster.
• Butter: Rich and smooth ingredient.
• Chicken Bouillon Cubes: Optional flavor enhancer.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Gently boil chicken in water for 15 minutes until fully cooked.

For extra flavor, add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes to the water.

Remove chicken and shred using two forks.

Toss shredded chicken with blue cheese dressing and set aside.

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

Melt butter in a large high-walled skillet over medium heat.

• Onions
• Celery

Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 3: Build Liquid Foundation

• Undrained diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Bring mixture to a boil and add pasta.

Submerge pasta completely in liquid and return to boiling.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Cover skillet and boil pasta for 10-13 minutes or until al dente.

Use a silicone spatula to occasionally lift pasta from bottom, preventing sticking.

Test pasta for doneness before proceeding.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low.

• Buffalo sauce
• Cubed cream cheese
• Shredded cheese

Gently mix with silicone spatula.

Sauce will initially appear thin but will thicken while standing.

Step 6: Finish Dish

Add shredded chicken and red pepper flakes.

Optional: Swirl in cold butter for a professional chef-style smooth finish.

Tips to Master Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Let cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding to pasta for smoother melting and better flavor integration.
• Drop 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes into boiling water when cooking chicken to enhance its taste profile and add depth to the overall dish.
• Use a silicone spatula to periodically lift pasta during cooking, ensuring it doesn't clump or stick to the bottom of the skillet.
• Cook pasta only until al dente, checking a noodle for perfect texture before adding other ingredients, as it will continue cooking with residual heat.

Saving and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Pair Zesty Blue Cheese Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, crumbled blue cheese, and a light ranch dressing to complement the buffalo chicken's bold flavors.
• Boost Refreshing Beverage: Select a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat ale that cuts through the spicy richness and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Balance Cool Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a tangy cucumber and cabbage slaw with a hint of vinegar to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy, creamy pasta dish.
• Enhance Creamy Ranch Dip: Serve a side of homemade ranch dip with fresh vegetable sticks for added texture and a cooling element that balances the buffalo sauce's heat.

Flavor Variations for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free chickpea or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensures same flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with cashew-based or almond cheese varieties. Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and plant-based butter to create a creamy texture without animal products.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with cauliflower or jackfruit, maintaining buffalo sauce's spicy kick. Add extra protein through plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for nutritional balance.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduces carbohydrate content while preserving the buffalo chicken's robust and tangy flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes buffalo chicken pasta different from regular pasta dishes?

Buffalo chicken pasta combines the tangy, spicy flavors of buffalo wings with creamy pasta, creating a unique fusion dish that blends comfort food with bold wing-style seasonings.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also skip the red pepper flakes entirely to lower the heat level while maintaining the classic buffalo chicken flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, buffalo chicken pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work perfectly. These shapes help capture the sauce and shredded chicken, ensuring you get a great bite every time.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta delivers a spicy kick that blends tangy hot sauce with comforting pasta and tender chicken. Smooth cheese sauce and crisp green onions elevate this classic game-day favorite into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (454 grams)
• 4 cups chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional)
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Retrieve chicken and prepare a pot of water for gentle boiling, ensuring the liquid remains at a consistent low bubble to maintain meat tenderness.
2. Submerge chicken and cook approximately 15 minutes until fully cooked through, then meticulously shred using two forks.
3. Coat shredded chicken with blue cheese dressing and reserve for later incorporation.
4. Select a large high-walled skillet and melt butter over medium temperature.
5. Introduce diced onions and celery into the melted butter, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and softened.
6. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
7. Pour undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
8. Carefully add pasta, ensuring complete submersion in the liquid, and return to boiling state.
9. Cover skillet and allow pasta to cook 10-13 minutes, periodically using a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
10. Verify pasta doneness by sampling a single noodle, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency.
11. Reduce heat to low and gradually integrate buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses.
12. Gently fold ingredients using a silicone spatula, recognizing the sauce will progressively thicken.
13. Fold in previously prepared shredded chicken and sprinkle red pepper flakes for additional heat.
14. Optional: Enhance sauce’s luxurious texture by swirling in cold butter, employing the classical French culinary technique “Monter au Beurre”.

Notes

• Cheese Temperature Matters: Bring cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese close to room temperature for smoother melting and better sauce consistency.
• Chicken Flavor Boost: Add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes to the boiling water to enhance the chicken’s depth of flavor and make it more savory.
• Pasta Cooking Trick: Always cook pasta just to al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce, preventing mushy textures and maintaining perfect bite.
• Sauce Finishing Technique: Use the professional chef’s “Monter au Beurre” method by swirling in cold butter at the end to create a silky, smooth sauce finish with added richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg