Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the tangy, spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken with creamy pasta for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner. Perfect for those who love the kick of Buffalo sauce paired with the comforting creaminess of pasta, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser!

1. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Mixture:

• Lower the heat to medium-low, and stir in the softened cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing). Whisk the mixture together until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir it into the Buffalo sauce mixture. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

5. Mix the Pasta:

• Stir in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s evenly coated in the Buffalo chicken sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

6. Add Cheese and Bake (Optional):

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If you prefer a baked pasta dish, transfer the Buffalo chicken pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Once out of the oven, drizzle extra Buffalo sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese (optional) and freshly chopped parsley or green onions.

Tips and Variations:

1. Buffalo Sauce:

• Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sauce, or add more sour cream to balance the heat.

2. Cheese Choices:

• While mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully in this recipe, you can use any cheese you like. Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese adds a nice creamy texture.

3. Chicken Options:

• Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but you can also use cooked chicken breasts or thighs. For extra flavor, try grilling the chicken before shredding it.

4. Vegetable Add-Ins:

• Want to add some veggies? Stir in chopped bell peppers, celery, or broccoli during the sautéing process for extra nutrition and color.

5. Make It Spicier:

• If you love heat, add extra Buffalo sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also serve it with jalapeños on top.

6. Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing:

• Both ranch and blue cheese dressing complement Buffalo sauce, so use whichever you prefer. For a stronger flavor, blue cheese adds a tangy richness, while ranch offers a smoother, creamier taste.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dishes:
  • Serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad with ranch dressing to complement the spicy flavors of the dish.
• Toppings:
  • For an extra burst of flavor, top the pasta with crumbled bacon, diced celery, or even crispy fried onions.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigeration:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing:

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta freezes well. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy comfort food. With tender chicken, hearty pasta, and bold Buffalo sauce, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day feasts!

Yield: 6

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print

Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the tangy, spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken with creamy pasta for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner. Perfect for those who love the kick of Buffalo sauce paired with the comforting creaminess of pasta, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser!

- Advertisement -

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if preferred)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
   Add the buffalo sauce and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
   
3. Mix in the Chicken:
   Stir in the shredded chicken and toss to coat it in the buffalo sauce. Allow the chicken to heat through for about 3 minutes.
   
4. Add the Creamy Elements:
   Lower the heat and stir in the ranch dressing and sour cream. Mix well to create a creamy buffalo sauce.
   
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy buffalo chicken sauce.
   
6. Add Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they are melted and fully incorporated.
   
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a milder version of the sauce.

Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Toppings: Top with crumbled blue cheese for an extra buffalo chicken flair, or serve with celery sticks on the side for that classic combination.