The first time I caught that tangy, spicy scent of buffalo sauce bubbling with cream in my kitchen, I knew I’d stumbled onto something magical. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta has that perfect balance of heat and comfort that makes weeknight dinners feel special. It’s become one of those dishes everyone saves on Pinterest.
Think creamy mac and cheese meets your favorite buffalo wings, all tossed with tender pasta and juicy chicken. You only need buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples to create this cozy dish that tastes like it took hours but comes together in thirty minutes. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe since my daughters first requested “that spicy pasta thing” three years ago. After testing different sauce ratios and pasta shapes, I found the secret to getting that perfect creamy-but-not-heavy texture. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Easy Delicious Recipe to Try
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a spicy creamy dish popular on Pinterest in the USA that mixes buffalo sauce, chicken, and pasta for quick weeknight dinners. This recipe delivers a flavorful, simple meal perfect for busy evenings. Enjoy a comforting blend of ingredients that makes cooking easy and tasty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 people 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast equal to 1 lb
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing can sub ranch
- 2 Tablespoons butter divided
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 stick celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes undrained (1 can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1.5 cups cheddar shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons cold butter optional
Instructions
- Gently poach the chicken by placing it in simmering water for 15 minutes, then shred it using two forks and toss with blue cheese dressing.
- In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat, then cook the onions and celery until soft, about 5 minutes; add garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then add pasta fully submerged and boil, covered, for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and cook to al dente.
- Lower the heat, stir in buffalo sauce, cream cheese cubes, and shredded cheddar and mozzarella; mix gently as the sauce thickens.
- Add the shredded chicken and red pepper flakes, then optionally stir in cold butter to create a smooth finish once the sauce is close to desired consistency.
Notes
- Use slightly less than a pound of pasta if you prefer more sauce
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before adding
- Poach chicken gently to keep it tender
- Shredded cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded
- Add cheese on low heat to avoid grainy sauce
- Ranch can substitute blue cheese
- Using all chicken broth is preferred over mixing with water
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 758kcal
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
There’s something magical about the way buffalo sauce mingles with cream cheese and melted cheddar. This dish delivers all the bold, tangy flavors you crave from buffalo wings but in the most comforting pasta form imaginable. It’s like receiving a warm hug with just the right amount of kick.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken from Sunday dinner or cook fresh chicken breast, it always turns out creamy and satisfying. My daughters have been requesting this Buffalo Chicken Pasta for three years straight, and honestly, I never tire of making it.
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in the same skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ready in 35 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Breaking Down Your Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple pantry staples can transform into something extraordinary. You probably have most of these ingredients already, making it perfect for those nights when you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make.
The real stars here are the buffalo sauce and cream cheese combo – they create that signature tangy, creamy base that makes this dish so addictive. I always keep both on hand because they’re incredibly versatile in so many comfort food recipes.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo sauce | Adds tangy heat | Adjust amount to your spice preference |
| Cream cheese | Creates creamy base | Must be softened for smooth melting |
| Cheddar & mozzarella | Rich, melty texture | Shred from blocks for best results |
| Blue cheese dressing | Classic buffalo pairing | Ranch works as substitute |
| Diced tomatoes | Adds acidity and depth | Don’t drain – the juice adds flavor |
How This One-Pot Magic Works
The secret to this recipe’s success is the order of operations. We start by gently poaching the chicken breast – and I mean gently. A rolling boil will give you tough, stringy chicken, but a gentle simmer keeps it tender and perfect for shredding.
While the chicken cooks, everything else happens in one beautiful skillet. The onions and celery build a flavorful base, then the pasta cooks right in the broth and tomatoes. This technique not only saves dishes but also allows the pasta to absorb all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.
- Step 1: Gently poach and shred chicken (toss with blue cheese dressing).
- Step 2: Sauté vegetables in butter until softened.
- Step 3: Add tomatoes, broth, and pasta – cook until al dente.
- Step 4: Stir in buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses over low heat.
- Step 5: Add chicken back in and finish with cold butter for a silky texture.
Troubleshooting Your Perfect Bowl
Even the best recipes can have their little hiccups, and I’ve learned from every single one over the years. The most common issue? Grainy or separated sauce. This almost always happens when the heat is too high when you add the dairy ingredients.
Pro Tip: Always reduce to low heat before adding cream cheese and shredded cheese. High heat causes dairy to break and creates that unappetizing grainy texture nobody wants in their comfort food.
- Sauce too thin? Let it sit on low heat – it thickens as it cools slightly.
- Pasta sticking? Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula during cooking.
- Not enough heat? Add red pepper flakes or extra buffalo sauce to taste.
- Too spicy? Stir in extra cream cheese or a splash of chicken broth.
Make It Your Own
This is one of those recipes that practically begs for personalization. My younger daughter loves it with extra mozzarella, while my older one always asks for more buffalo sauce. The base recipe is your canvas – paint it however your family loves it most.
I’ve tried this with leftover Thanksgiving turkey, rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, and even pre-cooked chicken strips in a pinch. Each version brings its own character to the dish, proving just how adaptable this comfort food favorite really is.
| Swap This | For This | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Blue cheese dressing | Ranch dressing | Milder, kid-friendly flavor |
| Penne pasta | Rotini or shells | More sauce-holding surfaces |
| Fresh chicken breast | Rotisserie chicken | Saves 15 minutes prep time |
| All cheddar | Mix of cheeses | More complex flavor profile |
Serving and Storage Tips
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta serves six generous portions, perfect for family dinners with leftovers for lunch the next day. I love serving it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to balance out all that creamy, spicy goodness.
Note: The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools, both on your plate and in the fridge. If you’re planning on leftovers, consider using slightly less pasta or adding an extra splash of chicken broth when reheating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Add splash of broth or milk when reheating |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat gently on stovetop |
| Individual portions | Great for meal prep | Microwave with damp paper towel over dish |
Expert Says
Buffalo chicken pasta combines both protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. Utilizing hot sauce not only adds flavor but can also enhance metabolic activity due to its capsaicin content. This dish is a great way to incorporate diverse textures and bold flavors into a comforting weeknight dinner.
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The Long Road to Buffalo Chicken Pasta Perfection
After a week of experimenting with different sauces and pasta types, I finally found the perfect combo for buffalo chicken pasta. I still laugh thinking about the time I mistook cayenne for paprikalet’s just say it was a fiery dinner! Each trial brought me closer to this blissful blend of creamy, spicy goodness that my family adores.
FAQs ( Buffalo Chicken Pasta )
What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
This dish combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy pasta for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, delivering flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
How do I store leftovers of this meal?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and store them separately. Just cook the pasta fresh on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short, hearty pasta like penne or rotini works best, as they hold onto the sauce easily. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed, making this meal versatile for varying dietary preferences.
How can I adjust the heat in this dish?
To make this dish milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing. For extra heat, add hot sauce or toss in chili flakes to taste, customizing it to your preference.
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes together in just 35 minutes, but the creamy, tangy flavors taste like you’ve been stirring love into that pot all day. You’ll love how the buffalo sauce marries with melted cheese to create something both familiar and exciting. Every forkful delivers the perfect balance of comfort and heat that makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Here’s a trick from my own kitchen experiments: if you want to dial up the comfort factor, try stirring in a handful of crumbled bacon or toasted breadcrumbs for texture. Leftovers reheat beautifully with just a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. For my heat-sensitive friends, start with half the buffalo sauce and taste as you go.
I’d love to see how this recipe lands in your kitchen! Share a photo and tag us – did this remind you of a favorite family dish? There’s something magical about recipes that bring back memories while creating new ones. Save this one for your next cozy night in, and maybe pass it along to someone who needs a little comfort food love.
