Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold, tangy flavor of Buffalo Chicken Pasta to shake up your weeknight dinner routine. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy buffalo sauce that's packed with just the right amount of heat. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and comfort.

I first whipped up this recipe after craving something that combined my love for buffalo wings and creamy pasta. The result? A dish so irresistible, my family requests it regularly. If you're a fan of bold flavors and easy dinners, you’re in for a treat.

Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, comforting, and packed with flavor.

First, this dish is a total time-saver. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak the spice level to suit everyone’s taste – from those who prefer mild heat to die-hard spice lovers.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're serving it at a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a game day party, this pasta is sure to be a hit.

Finally, it uses pantry-friendly ingredients like pasta, hot sauce, and cream cheese, so you can whip it up anytime without a last-minute grocery run.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in its simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Let’s break them down:

• Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni for this recipe. Their ridges hold onto the creamy buffalo sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for their lean and tender texture. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for an authentic buffalo flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
• Cream Cheese and Ranch Dressing: These two work together to create a luscious, creamy sauce that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous handful of shredded cheddar adds a gooey, melty finish. Opt for sharp cheddar for an extra punch of flavor.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.

You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta – no fancy equipment required!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add cream cheese and ranch dressing, stirring until smooth. Pour in the buffalo sauce and mix until combined. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
5. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with green onions and blue cheese crumbles, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and flavorful.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores beautifully!

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works – just heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all your sauces are gluten-free as well.
• Lower Heat: For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the ranch dressing. You can also mix in a bit of heavy cream for a gentler spice profile.
• Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
• Alternative Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Experiment with these ideas to make this recipe uniquely yours!

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