Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner for Spicy Comfort
Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that packs all the bold, zesty flavor of your favorite buffalo chicken wings into a hearty, creamy pasta meal. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is designed for ease and maximum deliciousness, making it an absolute winner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich, tangy sauce, loaded with succulent chicken and a double dose of cheese – it’s comfort food elevated to a new level, all made in one skillet on your stovetop!
Buffalo chicken isn’t just for game day appetizers anymore; it’s a versatile flavor profile that can liven up any meal. From crispy wraps to slow cooker dips, the unmistakable blend of spicy and savory is a universally loved classic. This pasta dish takes that beloved taste and turns it into a substantial, satisfying main course that your entire family will crave. It’s so good, you’ll want to keep extra buffalo sauce on hand – trust us!
In my household, buffalo sauce is practically a staple. We always have a large bottle in the fridge and a backup in the pantry, because it’s used for everything! My son, in particular, loves to mix it with a touch of ranch as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, a flavorful addition to his mac and cheese, or even on scrambled eggs. So, when I was brainstorming a dinner idea that I knew he would absolutely adore, transforming his favorite spicy kick into a creamy buffalo chicken pasta seemed like a stroke of genius. It was an instant hit, and I’m confident it will be in your home too.
Why This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this creamy buffalo chicken pasta deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Effortlessly Quick: Designed for busy lives, this dish comes together on the stovetop in roughly 20-25 minutes. No complicated steps, just simple cooking that yields incredible results.
- Unforgettable Flavor: It perfectly captures the bold, tangy, and spicy essence of buffalo wings, mellowed by creamy ranch and rich cheeses. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
- One-Pan (Mostly) Wonder: While the pasta boils separately, the sauce and assembly all happen in a single large skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
- Family Favorite: This recipe appeals to a wide range of palates. The spice level is adjustable, and who can resist a creamy, cheesy pasta dish? It’s a proven crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your preferred spice level, add extra vegetables, or even swap out the chicken for another protein.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect meal for any day of the week, especially when you need a comforting pick-me-up.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This simple buffalo chicken pasta recipe relies on a handful of readily available ingredients, ensuring a delicious and quick meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:
- Pasta: The foundation of our dish! You can use any short-cut pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well. Penne, rotini, cavatappi, or bowtie pasta are excellent choices. Their nooks and ridges are perfect for clinging to the rich sauce. I recommend cooking the pasta al dente, or even a minute shy of the package directions, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Chicken: For convenience, the recipe calls for one pound of chopped and cooked chicken. This is where you can truly save time! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option, offering tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Leftover cooked chicken (shredded or diced) works just as well. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, simply sauté or boil chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then chop or shred them.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the show! For that authentic, classic buffalo flavor, I highly recommend using Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce. It provides the perfect balance of heat and tang. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference – add a little less for a milder taste or a bit more for an extra kick.
- Cheese Galore: We’re using a trifecta of cheeses to create an incredibly creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Cream Cheese: This is essential for the pasta’s luxurious creaminess. When melted, it forms the rich base of the sauce, giving it body and a smooth texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth of flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes to that wonderful, melty stretch and a milder dairy note that balances the other strong flavors.
- Ranch Dressing: Good old-fashioned bottled ranch dressing is all you need to add a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce. It’s a classic pairing with buffalo chicken and helps to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Simple Seasonings: We keep it straightforward with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings enhance the overall savory profile without overpowering the distinct buffalo and ranch flavors.
- Chicken Broth: To achieve a luscious, pourable sauce without making it overly heavy, chicken broth is used instead of milk or cream. It helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding an extra layer of savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Making this creamy buffalo chicken pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal in no time:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen short-cut pasta and cook according to package directions, but aim for about 1 minute *under* al dente. This slight undercooking prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when you combine it with the hot sauce. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce Base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven (one that can comfortably hold all the ingredients), combine the cream cheese (cut into cubes for faster melting), buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and chicken broth. Place the skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously, working the cream cheese with a spoon or whisk, until it has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is crucial for a lump-free, creamy sauce.
- Season and Add Cheese: Once the sauce base is smooth, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir, then gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix everything together until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated, forming a thick, creamy, and irresistible sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Finally, add the cooked chicken and the slightly undercooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken and pasta is completely coated in the rich, creamy buffalo sauce. Heat through for a minute or two until everything is warmed and well blended.
Your creamy buffalo chicken pasta is now ready to serve! For an extra layer of flavor, especially if you’re a fan of blue cheese, crumble a little fresh blue cheese over the top of each serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To ensure your buffalo chicken pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As mentioned, cooking the pasta slightly under al dente is key. It will absorb some of the sauce and continue to cook, reaching the ideal texture without becoming mushy.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This helps it melt evenly and quickly, preventing lumps. Cutting it into smaller cubes also speeds up the process.
- Adjust Spice to Your Liking: The amount of buffalo sauce can be easily adjusted. Start with the recommended amount, then taste and add more if you prefer a spicier dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, block cheese that you shred yourself often melts more smoothly and has a better texture, as pre-shredded varieties sometimes contain anti-caking agents.
- Cooked Chicken Options: This recipe is incredibly flexible with chicken. If you don’t have rotisserie or leftover chicken, you can quickly cook two boneless, skinless chicken breasts: dice them, season, and sauté in a little olive oil until cooked through before adding to the sauce.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Crumbled blue cheese is a classic pairing with buffalo flavors. Fresh chopped green onions or chives also add a nice oniony bite and visual appeal.
- Serving Temperature: This pasta is best served immediately, straight from the skillet, while the sauce is at its creamiest and the cheeses are perfectly melted.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This buffalo chicken pasta is fantastic fresh, but with a few adjustments, it can also be prepared ahead or stored for later enjoyment.
- Making Ahead: If you plan to make this dish ahead of time for a gathering or future meal, it’s best to undercook the pasta by about 2 minutes. Prepare the recipe as written, mixing everything together. Once combined, pour the pasta into a casserole dish, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When reheating, place the covered casserole dish in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) to heat it through and finish cooking the pasta. A bonus tip: adding another layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking is always a good idea!
- Storing Leftovers: Leftovers are a true treat! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You might notice that the pasta will soak up some of the creamy sauce as it sits. When reheating, to bring back that lovely creamy consistency, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir it in gently while warming. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- Freezing Leftovers: Yes, you can freeze this pasta! Allow the buffalo chicken pasta to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little added milk or broth, or in the oven until thoroughly warmed.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta
While this buffalo chicken pasta is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side can enhance the dining experience. A light, crisp side provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy pasta.
- Fresh Vegetables: Classic accompaniments to buffalo anything are carrot and celery sticks, often served with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is also perfect for cutting through the richness.
- Complementary Sides: Here are some of my favorite side dishes that pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of this pasta:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: A light, fresh salad provides a great textural and flavor contrast.
- Easy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Roasted Green Beans: A simple roasted vegetable offers a healthy and flavorful addition.
- Italian Cheese Pull Apart Bread: A cheesy, garlicky bread is always a welcome companion to pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus: Another great option for a light, earthy vegetable side.
This pasta dish is consistently one of the top requested dinners in my house, and I love that the leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day. If you, like my husband, are a huge blue cheese fan, don’t hesitate to crumble some extra blue cheese on top of your individual serving. And for those who truly love things spicy, a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce is always a good idea!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
- Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! If starting with raw chicken, cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, then sauté them in a tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet until fully cooked through before proceeding with the sauce steps. Remove the chicken from the skillet, make the sauce, and then stir the cooked chicken back in.
- How can I make this less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply use less buffalo sauce. You can start with ¼ cup and taste, adding more if desired. Another trick is to increase the amount of ranch dressing or cream cheese slightly to mellow out the spice.
- What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to reduce and thicken. Adding a tiny bit more shredded cheese can also help thicken it slightly.
- Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable! Chopped celery or green onions can be stirred in at the end for added crunch and freshness. Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even frozen peas (added during the last few minutes of cooking) would also be delicious additions.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free short-cut pasta. Ensure all your other ingredients, especially the buffalo sauce and chicken broth, are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved this quick and flavorful pasta, be sure to check out some of my other easy and delicious dinner recipes:
- Honey Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
- Pesto Cavatappi
- Sausage & Rice Skillet
- Chicken Tostadas
- Buffalo Chicken Burger
- And if you’re a big buffalo chicken fan, you’re also going to love these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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Ingredients
- 12 oz short cut pasta, dried
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta 1 minute short of the package directions.
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In a large skillet heat cream cheese, buffalo sauce, chicken broth, and ranch dressing together over medium heat until smooth and melted.
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Add garlic powder, salt and pepper and stir until combined.
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Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until completely melted and smooth, stirring continually.
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Add cooked chicken and pasta and toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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