Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Looking for a bold, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or spicing up a weeknight dinner? This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a game-changer. It combines the zesty heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe thanks to your trusty slow cooker!

Whether you’re a buffalo sauce fanatic or just someone who loves a creamy, hearty pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

1. Place the Chicken in the Crock Pot: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add Buffalo Sauce and Broth: Pour the buffalo sauce and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
3. Add Ranch Dressing and Cream Cheese: Add the ranch dressing and cubed cream cheese on top.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crock pot and stir to combine.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Cheese

1. Add the Cooked Pasta to the Crock Pot: Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s well coated in the creamy buffalo chicken sauce.
2. Add the Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Scoop generous portions of the buffalo chicken pasta into bowls.
2. Garnish: Top with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This buffalo chicken pasta is a complete meal, but here are some side dish ideas to round it out:

With Garlic Bread:

• Pair with a side of garlic bread for a crunchy, buttery complement to the creamy pasta.

With a Side Salad:

• A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors of the dish.

With Roasted Veggies:

• Serve with roasted broccoli or zucchini to add some green to the meal.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version, substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Add it in step 4 when you would normally shred the chicken.
• Adjust the Heat: If you want more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or even a few dashes of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce slightly and add more ranch dressing.
• Use Different Pasta: You can swap out penne or rotini for other pasta types like elbow macaroni or farfalle for a different texture.
• Add Veggies: Stir in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers to add extra nutrition and color to the dish.
• Make it Lighter: You can use low-fat cream cheese and light ranch dressing for a lighter version of this dish without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Convenient: The crock pot does most of the work for you, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavors: The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce is balanced perfectly with creamy cheese and tender chicken.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that both kids and adults love, and it’s perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat, add extra veggies, or change up the cheese to suit your preferences.
• Great Leftovers: This pasta reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.
• Oven: Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing:

• Freezing: You can freeze this buffalo chicken pasta for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, making it a perfect meal for any buffalo chicken lover. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a cozy dinner, this dish delivers. Plus, with the help of your slow cooker, it’s a fuss-free recipe that anyone can make. Try it out and watch it become a favorite in your household!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in the crock pot, then cook the pasta right before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese crumbles would be great additions or alternatives to cheddar.
3. What type of pasta works best for this dish?
   Penne and rotini are great choices because they hold onto the sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   To add more heat, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   Yes! Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers would be delicious additions to this creamy, cheesy pasta.

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print

Looking for a bold, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or spicing up a weeknight dinner? This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a game-changer. It combines the zesty heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coming together for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal. The best part? It's a set-it-and-forget-it recipe thanks to your trusty slow cooker!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for topping)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot and place the chicken breasts at the bottom.
2. Add Sauces and Seasonings:
   Pour the buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Stir to combine. Add the cream cheese on top.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crock pot. Stir the mixture together until smooth.
5. Add Cheese and Sour Cream:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
6. Cook the Pasta:
   About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir to coat the pasta with the buffalo chicken sauce.
8. Optional Topping:
   If you’d like a cheesy top, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture and cover for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
9. Serve:
   Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm. You can serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred heat level. You can also add more hot sauce for an extra kick.

Pasta: Use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Avoid cooking the pasta in the crock pot, as it may become too mushy.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.