If you’re a fan of that classic tangy heat and creamy richness in every bite, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to steal your heart! Picture tender pasta tossed with juicy chicken in a fiery, velvety buffalo sauce, all smothered in melty cheese for the ultimate comfort fare. Whether it’s a weeknight craving or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this dish never fails to satisfy. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a new staple for anyone who craves big flavor with little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these everyday staples and amp up the flavor with just a handful of powerhouse ingredients. Each item plays a role — from the creaminess of the cheese to the bold heat of buffalo sauce — turning a simple skillet dinner into an indulgent treat with just the right texture and zing.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold all that luscious sauce perfectly. Choose your favorite or go gluten-free if needed!
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic for a deeper flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth right from the start.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftovers make this quick, hearty, and easy.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: The signature tangy heat, so adjust to your spice level preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Balances the spice with silky-smooth creaminess.
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing): Adds a cool, herby note while keeping the sauce extra creamy.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into long, luscious strands throughout the pasta.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, bold contrast and that mouthwatering cheesiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A final seasoning touch to make all the flavors pop.
- Sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese (for garnish, optional): These toppings bring color, crunch, and a burst of tang if you want to go all out.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package directions until it’s just al dente — you want it with a bit of bite so it holds up to that creamy, cheesy sauce. Drain well and set the noodles aside while you move on to the magic.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Grab your largest skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it smells fragrant and makes your kitchen smell irresistible. This easy step lays down a savory, aromatic foundation for the entire Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
Toss in the shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat the chicken. As the spicy, tangy aroma fills the air, you’ll know you’re on the right track. Don’t be shy to taste now and adjust the heat if you want things a little milder or bolder.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and the ranch (or blue cheese) dressing. Stir until everything is smoothly combined, then bring to a gentle simmer. The dairy will tame the heat and transform the sauce into a perfectly velvety, dreamy consistency.
Step 5: Add Cheeses
Sprinkle in the mozzarella and cheddar, stirring constantly as they melt into the sauce. This is where the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe goes from delicious to downright addictive. The cheese adds body, richness, and that signature stretch you look for in a great pasta dish.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the drained pasta straight to the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece is generously coated in that creamy, cheesy buffalo sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can mingle and meld together.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe a quick taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Pile it into bowls and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle with sliced green onions and a handful of crumbled blue cheese. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Go bold with the garnishes! A generous shower of sliced green onions brightens up the entire dish, while a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese gives it authentic buffalo wing flair and extra creaminess. For an added zing, you can drizzle on a little extra buffalo sauce or a few red pepper flakes if you crave more heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and satisfying, but it always appreciates something fresh on the side. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve with steamed broccoli for a wholesome pop of green. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are also fantastic for swiping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe: transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Serving the pasta in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets adds a cozy, restaurant-style feel. Or, load it into lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held appetizer at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a treat for lunch the next day. Spoon any extras into an airtight container once cooled. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing their creaminess or bold flavor.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, this pasta freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, letting it cool completely first. It’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just expect a slightly softer texture when reheated, but the flavors stay delicious and satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk and stir frequently to bring the sauce back to life and keep it from becoming too thick. In a hurry? Loosely cover and microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each until hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Just use a milder buffalo sauce or cut the buffalo sauce with more ranch (or blue cheese) dressing to tone down the heat. You can always add spice at the end, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
What type Main Course
Any cooked, shredded chicken works beautifully here — rotisserie chicken is super convenient, or you can quickly grill, bake, or poach your own chicken breasts or thighs before shredding.
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure your buffalo sauce and dressing are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is there a good substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even whole milk. The sauce will be slightly less thick and rich, but still creamy and flavorful.
How do I make this pasta as a baked casserole?
Once you’ve combined everything in the skillet, transfer it to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden on top (about 15–20 minutes). This is a wonderful way to add a comforting, melty cheese layer to your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that brings the party right to your table, you can’t go wrong with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. With its irresistible combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy, it’s bound to become one of your most requested dinners. So grab a fork and dig in — I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every bold, saucy bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and spicy delight with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender pasta coated in a luscious buffalo sauce, paired with shredded chicken and gooey cheese, this dish is a flavor explosion!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add chicken and buffalo sauce, then stir in cream and dressing. Simmer and add cheeses until melted.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, season with salt and pepper. Cook briefly to meld flavors. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and blue cheese.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option
- For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
