There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta—especially when it’s infused with the bold, tangy kick of Buffalo sauce. That’s exactly what makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe a must-try for anyone who loves a little spice with their comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that hits every craving at once: rich, zesty, and packed with flavor. Plus, it all comes together in one pot, making dinnertime easy without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a longtime Buffalo sauce fan or just looking to switch up your usual pasta night, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is guaranteed to bring some excitement to your table.
I still remember the first time I had Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe—it wasn’t at a fancy restaurant or part of a planned dinner. It was one of those nights when I stared into my fridge, hoping for inspiration, and spotted leftover chicken, a bottle of Buffalo sauce, and half a block of cream cheese. With a little improvisation (and a lot of cheese), I ended up with a creamy, spicy, utterly addictive dish that disappeared from our plates faster than I could grab seconds. Since then, it’s become a go-to meal in my house, perfect for weeknights when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to pull together.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes when it comes to an ideal dinner option. Here’s why:
- It’s a one-pot meal: Simplifies cleanup and saves time in the kitchen.
- Packed with flavor: The creamy Buffalo sauce, combined with cheese and spices, creates an unforgettable taste.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Family-friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy the balanced combination of creamy and spicy flavors.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creating this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner.
Step 1: Preparation
Gather Your Ingredients:
For the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 stick of celery, diced
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Tools You’ll Need:
- A large skillet or high-walled pot
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Pasta strainer
Step 2: Cooking
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in a pot of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove and shred the chicken using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with blue cheese or ranch dressing and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add the penne pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it cook for 10-13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you love comforting pasta dishes with a twist, you might also enjoy this Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe, which combines a rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and flavorful seasonings.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Combine the Chicken: Fold the shredded chicken into the pasta mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Step 3: Serving
Serve this creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired. Pair this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re in the mood for a hearty, homestyle pairing, this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is another classic comfort food that goes great with a side of pasta.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Q: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with rotisserie or leftover chicken, saving you even more time.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Substitute whole-wheat pasta and low-fat cheeses. You can also reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce to lower the sodium content.
Q: What’s the best Buffalo sauce for this recipe?
A: Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a popular choice for its perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of your sauce.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more Buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or use less for a milder dish.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: This ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Stir frequently: Prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot by stirring occasionally while it cooks.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding crispy bacon, chopped green onions, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Overcooking the chicken: Boil the chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy.
- Skipping the stirring: Pasta can easily stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred regularly.
- Adding cheese at high heat: Always lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Using cold cream cheese: This can lead to lumps in your sauce. Soften it beforehand for best results.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and beverages:
- Fresh Green Salad: Toss with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Use it to scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make excellent accompaniments.
- Chilled Beverages: Pair with an iced tea, light beer, or even a sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time for quicker assembly.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Use a double boiler or low heat on the stovetop for the best texture. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for another easy, satisfying meal that stores well, try this Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe. Like Buffalo Chicken Pasta, it’s rich, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors that taste just as good the next day.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is the ultimate combination of bold flavors and creamy comfort. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or game day, it’s guaranteed to impress. The ease of preparation, combined with the irresistible taste, makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try it today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow pasta lovers and explore our other one-pot meal ideas for more inspiration!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy one-pot meal that combines the bold flavors of Buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. The balance of spice and creaminess makes it an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb)
- ½ cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breast in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Remove from the water and shred using two forks.
- Toss the shredded chicken with blue cheese or ranch dressing and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or high-walled pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Pasta:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Cover and let it cook for 10-13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Sauce and Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Mix gently until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- If you like extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Combine the Chicken:
- Fold the shredded chicken into the pasta mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
- Pair with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Cheese Tip: Shred your own cheese for the best texture, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 6
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~1,200mg
- Fat: ~32g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~48g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~38g
- Cholesterol: ~105mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta Recipe, One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Easy Buffalo Chicken Dinner, Creamy Buffalo Chicken Recipe