Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe

If you love buffalo chicken and creamy pasta dishes, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. It combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting creaminess of pasta, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make this mouth-watering Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• Chicken and Pasta:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Boiling the Pasta:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Making the Buffalo Sauce:

1. Combining the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the buffalo sauce and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Adjusting Spice Levels:
   • If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add a bit more heavy cream to balance the heat.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce:

1. Combining Creamy Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
   • Gradually stir this mixture into the buffalo sauce in the skillet, mixing well to combine.
2. Mixing with Buffalo Sauce:
   • Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Cooking Instructions for Perfect Pasta:
   • Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente by following the package instructions closely. This will give your dish the perfect texture.
2. Draining and Setting Aside:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set aside until ready to combine with the sauce.

Combining Everything:

1. Mixing Chicken and Pasta with Sauce:
   • Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the buffalo sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
2. Heating Through:
   • Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined.

Garnishing and Serving:

1. Adding Fresh Herbs:
   • Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, and crumbled blue cheese if desired.
2. Serving Suggestions:
   • Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta with a crisp Caesar salad, some garlic knots, or a side of steamed vegetables to balance the meal.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Variations

• Using Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different take on this recipe.
• Adding Vegetables: Incorporate some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.

Tips for Success

• Achieving the Perfect Creaminess: Make sure to whisk the cream and sour cream mixture well to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Cook the pasta just before serving and combine everything together.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use different pasta shapes?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, and fusilli all work well with this sauce.
4. How do I adjust the spice level?
   • To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add more heavy cream. For more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
5. What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
   • You can make your own buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and a bit of vinegar. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delectable and satisfying dish that brings together the best of both worlds – the spicy tang of buffalo chicken and the comforting creaminess of pasta. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious twist on a classic favorite!

Yield: 4

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe

Print

If you love buffalo chicken and creamy pasta dishes, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. It combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting creaminess of pasta, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 450 g (1 lb) chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium shallot, diced
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 250 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
• 150 g (5.5 oz) light cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
• 2 tablespoons ranch sauce
• 100 g (1 cup) cheddar cheese, grated
• 100 g (1 cup) Monterey jack (or gouda) cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta 1 minute less than recommended on the package Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

1. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven and melt the butter in it. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes over medium heat until cooked through.

1. Stir in the shallot and garlic and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely.
2. Allow the sauce to bubble for 1-2 minutes, then add the buffalo sauce and ranch sauce. Stir to combine, then stir in the cooked pasta. Add a splash of pasta water if it looks too thick.
3. Stir in the cheddar and Monterey jack, season to taste and serve immediately.