Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or rotini pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well); 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (cubed); 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese (optional)

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta is what happens when comfort food turns up the volume—creamy, cheesy pasta tangled with tender chicken bathed in tangy buffalo sauce, all in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, weeknight magic that disappears fast, thanks to its spicy, zippy flavor and irresistibly rich, melty texture. If you love the kick of classic buffalo wings but like your dinner fork-friendly (and with way more cheese), get ready: this pasta ticks every box for spice lovers and comfort seekers alike!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is all about easy-to-find ingredients coming together for big, bold flavor. Each element matters here—whether it’s the pasta for hearty texture, the creamy base for a luscious sauce, or the pop of green onions for a fresh finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Short, ridged shapes grab onto all that luscious buffalo sauce for perfect saucy bites.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a little richness and helps everything sizzle together.
Cooked shredded chicken (1 pound): Rotisserie chicken keeps this ultra-fast, juicy, and so flavorful.
Buffalo wing sauce (3/4 cup): Bring on the heat! Adjust to taste for your perfect spice level.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): The secret to that creamy, dreamy sauce—be sure to use the block kind for best melting.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Both add creaminess and zing, so use your favorite for a custom touch.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings tang and smoothness to temper the spice.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp, melty, and totally essential for that gooey finish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): A cheesy stretch and mild flavor to balance everything out.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a little savory backbone without overpowering the buffalo notes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors at the end.
Chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese (for garnish, optional): A fresh, colorful, and tangy finish if you like a bit of extra flair.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rotini and cook until just al dente, following the package directions—don’t overcook, since the pasta will spend a few more minutes swaddled in sauce. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside while you gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Base

Next, set a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Tumble in your shredded chicken and pour over the buffalo wing sauce, stirring well to coat every piece. The scent will start hitting all those spicy, tangy notes that make Buffalo Chicken Pasta so addictive.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Now’s the time for velvety richness. Add the cubes of cream cheese, your dressing of choice (ranch or blue cheese), sour cream, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts and everything blends into a luxuriously smooth, orange-tinged sauce. Be patient—a few extra stirs makes sure everything melts evenly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and toss the cooked, drained pasta straight into the pan. Fold gently so the noodles are fully coated with every drop of that spiced, creamy sauce. You’ll see the sauce clinging to each twist or tube—this is where the magic starts!

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle in half the cheddar and mozzarella, stirring so it melts in and gets stretchy. Then, take the rest of your cheese and scatter it across the top. Cover the skillet and let it all melt together for a couple of minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the pasta is piping hot throughout.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If you’d like, finish with a shower of sliced green onions and a handful of crumbled blue cheese for contrast and color. Grab your bowls and dig in right away—the creamy, zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta waits for no one!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh chopped green onions not only looks gorgeous but adds a pop of crunch and color to each forkful. If blue cheese is your thing, crumble a little on top for extra tang and that classic buffalo wing vibe—just enough to balance out the creaminess and spice!

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is bold and rich, so simple sides work beautifully. Think a crisp green salad with ranch dressing, celery and carrot sticks (a wink to the original buffalo wing sides!), or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread for sopping up extra sauce. If you want to go extra hearty, oven-roasted broccoli or asparagus pairs well, too.

Creative Ways to Present

This pasta is definitely weeknight-casual, but you can dress it up for a gathering by serving it in a big casserole dish, topped with a final flourish of cheese and baked until bubbly. For parties, scoop Buffalo Chicken Pasta into individual ramekins or muffin tin cups—grab-and-go, and just as delicious. Don’t be afraid to splash a touch more buffalo sauce on top if you’re feeling spicy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a luxe lunch or weeknight reheat dinner.

Freezing

For longer storage, Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be frozen! Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn). It will keep well for up to 2 months—just note that the sauce may thicken slightly after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop your pasta into a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Add a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce if needed, then warm gently until heated through, stirring occasionally. If you prefer, pop it in a covered baking dish at 350°F until piping hot and melty.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great for catching all that creamy sauce, but you can use any short pasta shape you love. Shells, cavatappi, or even elbow macaroni all work well with Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Is there a way to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta less spicy?

Definitely. Start with less buffalo wing sauce and add more to taste, or mix in a little more ranch or blue cheese dressing and sour cream to mellow the heat. You can always sprinkle extra sauce on individual servings for spice lovers!

Can I bake this dish instead of finishing it on the stovetop?

You sure can! After mixing everything together, transfer the Buffalo Chicken Pasta to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s a fun way to switch up the texture and presentation.

Is it possible to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the pasta and buffalo chicken sauce ahead, then assemble and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat and add the final cheese topping so it’s gooey and fresh. Perfect for meal planning or entertaining.

What’s the best way to adjust the level of creaminess?

If you want it extra creamy, add more cream cheese or sour cream bit by bit until it’s just right for your tastes. For a lighter version, use less cream cheese and add a splash of milk. Buffalo Chicken Pasta is flexible, so tweak away!

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is proof that bold flavors and effortless comfort can go hand in hand. It’s the perfect dinner for nights when you want something easy, cheesy, and totally unforgettable. Grab your ingredients, gather your favorite people, and give this dish a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly Buffalo Chicken Pasta becomes a regular craving!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and spicy goodness of Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This easy-to-make dish combines tender pasta with shredded chicken coated in a rich buffalo sauce and creamy cheeses, topped with a savory blend of cheddar and mozzarella. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil

Chicken Mixture:

1 pound cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (cubed)
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil and combine shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Add cream cheese, dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Combine everything: Stir in cooked pasta until coated in sauce. Mix in half the cheeses, then top with the rest. Cover and cook until melted.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and blue cheese before serving warm.