The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe for Spicy Comfort

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta brings a zesty kick to your weeknight dinner lineup.

Spicy flavors dance across tender noodles, creating a meal that sparks conversations.

Comfort food meets bold heat in this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks adore how quickly the recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

Weeknight meals demand excitement, and this pasta delivers knockout flavor in just minutes.

Cheesy, tangy, and packed with protein, the recipe promises to become a household favorite.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Mix-Ins To Explore

• Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Pasta: Replace chicken with pulled jackfruit for a plant-based protein alternative that absorbs Buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea or rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly and maintain similar texture.
• Lighter Cream Sauce Variation: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a healthier, lower-calorie version of the dish.
• Spicy Blue Cheese Remix: Add crumbled blue cheese into the sauce and increase Buffalo sauce quantity for extra tangy and bold flavor profile.

Serving Up Buffalo Chicken Pasta With Flair

• Party Platter Presentation: Create a vibrant spread by arranging the Buffalo Chicken Pasta on a large platter, garnished with extra green onions and drizzled blue cheese dressing for added zest.
• Cool Companion Sides: Pair the spicy pasta with crisp celery sticks, fresh garden salad, or buttery garlic bread to balance the heat and provide complementary textures.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Hack: Transform this dish into a game day appetizer by serving in small individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, topped with extra cheese and chopped chives for a wow factor.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Repurpose remaining pasta as a stuffing for chicken wraps or as a topping for loaded baked potatoes, ensuring no delicious bite goes to waste.

Storing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Easily

• Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and prevent sauce separation.

FAQs

• Is Buffalo chicken pasta spicy?

The sauce brings a medium-level heat from Buffalo sauce, which can be adjusted by using mild or hot varieties depending on your spice preference.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, making the recipe even easier to prepare.

• What type of pasta works best?

Medium-sized pastas like penne, shells, or rotini are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and provide great texture.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the pasta’s optimal texture and sauce consistency.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Tangy Temptations

• Spice Up Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary pasta into a zesty, flavor-packed meal that breaks the monotony of traditional recipes, bringing excitement to your dining table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the beloved flavors of Buffalo chicken with creamy pasta, creating an irresistible dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, tangy taste.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be whipped up in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like green onions or extra cheese, allowing you to personalize the dish to suit individual preferences and make it uniquely yours.

Essential Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds hearty flavor and texture to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that provides substance and absorbs the creamy Buffalo sauce.

• Buffalo Sauce, Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce with a signature spicy kick.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle depth of flavor to the base of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce to provide a sharp and creamy element.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish that brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking Buffalo Chicken Pasta Step By Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your pasta in a pot of salted water following the package guidelines.

Once it reaches that ideal al dente texture, drain completely and set the pasta aside, ready for its spicy transformation.

Step 2: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around, releasing its aromatic magic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Create Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Buffalo sauce
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes silky and uniform, creating a tangy, rich foundation.

Step 4: Introduce Shredded Chicken

Add succulent shredded chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure every piece gets completely coated in the zesty sauce.

Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the saucy chicken.

Sprinkle in cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious, coating that hugs each pasta strand.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optionally, scatter chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and bubbling with flavor.

Helpful Tricks For Spicy Creamy Pasta

• Adjust Buffalo sauce intensity by adding more or less to suit your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding to sauce for easier blending and a silky texture.
• Rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick, flavorful protein alternative to save cooking time.
• Shred cheddar cheese yourself for better melting and more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta delivers spicy, tangy comfort in one hearty skillet. Zesty blue cheese, tender chicken, and hot sauce create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Incorporate Buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform sauce.
4. Fold shredded chicken into the spicy cream sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, developing rich flavors.
5. Introduce cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to distribute the creamy Buffalo sauce evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and integrated.
6. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Manage heat carefully to prevent sauce from burning or separating when mixing cream-based ingredients.
• Select chicken that’s freshly cooked and shredded for maximum flavor and tender texture in the dish.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Buffalo sauce quantity or using milder hot sauce variations for sensitive palates.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining recipe’s signature zesty profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg