If you are craving something that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and comforting all in one bowl, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the bold flavors of classic buffalo chicken wings but with the cozy heartiness of pasta that hugs every bite. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packs just the right amount of heat, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes that go-to recipe you want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role, bringing together a harmonious blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. These simple essentials create a dish that’s wholesome, flavorful, and so satisfying, you won’t believe how effortless it is.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These pasta shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a silky base for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory note that wakes up every taste bud.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: The protein powerhouse that soaks up all the buffalo sauce flavor perfectly.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick that defines this recipe.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that indulgently creamy texture we all crave in comfort food.
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing): Adds a cooling, tangy balance to the heat and creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to give luscious, stretchy cheesy bites.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp and slightly nutty flavor to deepen the cheese profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to round out the flavors perfectly.
- Sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese (optional garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of zesty creaminess right at the end.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This means it should have a slight bite to it — not mushy — so it holds up well when mixed with the rich sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside; this simple step ensures you have the perfect foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute. This quick step releases the garlic’s aroma and flavor without burning it, laying down a delicious buttery and garlicky base for the sauce.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
Add your shredded chicken to the skillet and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly so the chicken pieces get fully coated with that vibrant, spicy sauce. This is where the true character of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe begins to take shape, with bold buffalo heat melding with tender meat.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Dressing
Pour in the heavy cream and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, stirring continuously to create a creamy, smooth sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld wonderfully. The dressing adds a tangy coolness that beautifully tempers the spiciness, making your dish irresistibly balanced.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until they melt fully and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. This cheesy richness is what makes this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe stand out as a comforting, indulgent meal that satisfies every craving.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta and Finish
Return the cooked pasta to your skillet, tossing to coat every piece with the creamy buffalo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to fully blend. This final step locks everything together and ensures a warm, flavorful dish ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions sprinkled on top add a refreshing pop of color and a mild onion bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, spicy pasta. For a true buffalo wing experience, a handful of crumbled blue cheese delivers a tangy, creamy burst that elevates every forkful.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs wonderfully with crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks, which are classic buffalo sauce accompaniments that offer a satisfying crunch and freshness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also help balance the richness and heat of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the buffalo chicken pasta in mini bread bowls or use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a colorful presentation. You can even spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty, comforting combo that’s sure to impress at any dinner gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, but it’s best to do so without the garnish. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawed, some separation might occur, but a good stir during reheating brings it back together nicely.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming and that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly as it’s already cooked and tender, making your preparation even quicker without sacrificing flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level in the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Simply adjust the amount of buffalo sauce used or choose a milder or hotter version depending on your heat tolerance. Adding more ranch or blue cheese dressing can also tone down the spice.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta you can easily make the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet without changing any other ingredients.
Can I bake the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe instead of stovetop?
Definitely! Transfer the prepared pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
What can I do if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can substitute blue cheese dressing or even a mix of sour cream and a bit of lemon juice to replicate the tangy creaminess that ranch brings to this dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the creamy, spicy, and cheesy comfort that this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe offers. It’s effortless to make, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for when you want to elevate a weeknight dinner into something special and memorable. Trust me, once you give this dish a try, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with penne pasta. Enriched with rich heavy cream, tangy ranch dressing, and melted cheeses, it delivers the perfect balance of heat and creaminess for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Sauce & Chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chicken and buffalo sauce: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the spicy sauce.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and ranch dressing, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Add cheeses: Add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheeses melt completely into a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the buffalo cream sauce.
- Season and finish cooking: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to fully combine and the dish to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time and effort.
- For a baked variation, transfer the prepared pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
