The Zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Everyone Raves About

Creamy, zesty buffalo chicken pasta bursts with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

This mouthwatering buffalo chicken pasta recipe combines spicy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, the dish delivers a punch of excitement to your dinner table.

Cheesy, creamy, and with just the right kick of heat, this recipe turns a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, it transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Comfort food meets spicy excitement in every single bite, promising a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and let’s create a dinner that’ll become an instant family favorite.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Why Try It

• Whip Up Comfort Food: Dive into a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap cheeses, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Prepare a satisfying dinner in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Winning Flavor: Blend classic buffalo chicken flavors with pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that combines familiar comfort food elements with exciting, zesty notes.

Everything for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: The base of the dish that provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the buffalo chicken sauce.
• Chicken: A protein-packed ingredient that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Buffalo Sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce that gives the dish its signature kick and bold taste.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and sauce.
• Green Onions, Blue Cheese, Ranch: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and freshness to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and prevent sticking in the skillet.

Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions.

Once al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick together.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté the chicken until it’s golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Splash of Spicy Goodness

Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat every piece evenly.

The sauce will add a tangy, fiery kick to the dish.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese

Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a luscious, smooth sauce that clings to the chicken.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it melts into the sauce, adding extra richness and depth of flavor.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand is generously coated with the creamy buffalo chicken sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

Tips for Creamy Buffalo Pasta Success

• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to match your heat tolerance, adding gradually for perfect flavor balance.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, faster melting and silkier sauce texture.
• Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for quick meal preparation.
• Stir sauce continuously to prevent cream cheese from clumping and ensure even distribution.
• Prepare sauce separately and store in refrigerator, reheating gently before mixing with pasta for convenient meal planning.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Mix-In Ideas

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, using the same buffalo sauce and creamy base for a plant-based alternative.
• Lighter Greek Yogurt Version: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb, gluten-free version that still captures the buffalo chicken flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cream cheese for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Up Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Game Night Delight: Serve this zesty buffalo chicken pasta during sports events or movie marathons for a crowd-pleasing dish that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Cool and Creamy Contrast: Top with a dollop of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spicy buffalo sauce and create a refreshing flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Bowl: Pack leftovers in a portable container for a hearty work or school lunch that reheats perfectly and delivers bold, tangy flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.

Storing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Easily

• Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Pack the buffalo chicken pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What makes buffalo chicken pasta different from regular pasta dishes?

This recipe combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken, creating a bold and exciting flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional pasta meals.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce to decrease the heat level while maintaining the dish’s signature tangy flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Buffalo chicken pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

• What protein alternatives can I use if I don't have chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for a quick and easy protein option in this recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta delivers a spicy kick that elevates comfort food to new heights. Zesty sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Ranch drizzle

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sauté shredded chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until warmed through.
3. Pour buffalo sauce over chicken, thoroughly coating each piece and allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
4. Lower heat to simmer, introduce heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking continuously until sauce becomes silky and cream cheese completely dissolves.
5. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts and creates a uniform, creamy consistency.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta into the spicy, cheesy sauce, ensuring every pasta strand is generously covered.
7. Transfer to serving dish, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions, drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing for added zest and visual appeal.

Notes

• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by using mild or hot varieties, catering to different heat preferences without overwhelming the dish.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shredded turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility and diverse protein options.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumpy sauce and achieve a silky, smooth consistency when melting.
• Prepare the sauce separately and store in the refrigerator, then reheat gently and mix with freshly cooked pasta to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 523 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg