Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a deliciously spicy and creamy dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Made with tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo wing sauce, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a kid-friendly American main course that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with comforting pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then stir in the buffalo wing sauce and softened cream cheese, whisking continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Dressing: Stir in ranch or blue cheese dressing to the sauce mixture until well combined, creating a creamy and tangy base for the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and let the pasta simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For added texture and cheesy crust, transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo wing sauce depending on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
