There’s nothing quite like the smell of spicy, creamy sauce bubbling away on the stovetop. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, blending tender chicken and zesty buffalo sauce for an easy weeknight dinner that’s been lighting up dinner tables across the country.
Picture this: saucy, shredded chicken tangled with pasta, all swimming in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s a mash-up of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ready in about 30 minutes! Using everyday pantry staples, it’s a delightful twist on classic pasta that will have the family requesting it on repeat.
I started making this dish back in 2015, inspired by a game-day gathering. Everyone went nuts for it! The secret? Cooking the chicken in the buffalo sauce early on really deepens the flavor. Now, it’s become my go-to, tried and true recipe that never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Thomas Baker
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Easy Delicious Recipe to Try
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a spicy creamy dish popular on Pinterest in the USA, blending buffalo sauce, chicken, and pasta for easy weeknight meals. This one pot recipe combines tender shredded chicken tossed in blue cheese dressing with a cheesy buffalo cream sauce and penne, perfect for a comforting main course that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy.
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
Method
Set out the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese to soften to room temperature before starting.
Place the chicken breast in a pot filled with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it finely. Toss the shredded chicken with the blue cheese dressing and keep aside.
In a large deep skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking them until they soften, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling liquid, pressing it down to submerge completely. Wait for it to return to a boil.
Cover the skillet, reduce heat slightly, and let the pasta cook for 10 to 13 minutes until it is just al dente. Stir gently under the lid several times during cooking to prevent sticking and test pasta doneness before moving on.
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and both shredded cheeses gently until the sauce starts to become creamy, noting it will thicken further as it stands.
Mix in the shredded chicken and add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
Optional: When the sauce is nearly as thick as you like, stir in the cold butter to finish the sauce with a glossy, smooth texture using the monter au beurre technique.
Notes
For saucier pasta, use a little less than a pound of penne; it will take longer to thicken but will hold sauce well for leftovers. Always make sure cream cheese is fully softened before adding to help it melt smoothly. Gently simmer the chicken to keep it tender. Using cheese grated fresh from a block will melt better and taste richer than pre-shredded cheese. Add cheese to sauce over low heat to avoid graininess. Substitute ranch for blue cheese dressing if preferred. While 4 cups of chicken broth is recommended, you may mix 2.5 cups broth with 1.5 cups water if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Weeknight Meal: This Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Cozy Comfort Food: With creamy cheese and zesty buffalo sauce, it’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth.
Flexible Ingredients: Use fresh, rotisserie, or leftover chickenyou have options to fit your schedule!
Family-Friendly: The rich, bold flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need:
Chicken: One large boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for shredding and mixing into the pasta.
Pasta: Penne works wonderfully, but you can swap in your favorite pasta shape!
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the dish that spicy kick many lovechoose mild or hot according to your family’s taste.
Cheeses: Cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella make this dish irresistibly creamy.
Skillet: A large, high-walled skillet allows for easy mixing and cooking of all ingredients.
How It Works Step-by-Step
Boil the Chicken: Place your chicken breast in a pot, gently boil for 15 minutes until cooked through, then shred.
Cook Your Veggies: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onion and celery until soft. Add garlic for a minute more.
Add Tomatoes & Broth: Stir in undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil!
Pasta Time: Toss in the penne, cover, and boil for 10-13 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
Create the Sauce: Reduce heat, stir in buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses. Mix until creamy.
Add Shredded Chicken: Finally, fold in your shredded chicken, and let everything heat through for a few minutes.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sauce Too Thin? Just let it simmer a bit longersauces can thicken as they cool and reduce.
Sticking Pasta? Make sure to lift and stir occasionally while boiling to keep it loose and well-coated.
Grainy Sauce? Avoid high heat when adding the cream cheese and cheddar, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
Possible Tweaks
Feeling creative? Here are some fun variations to try:
Change the Heat: Use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Go Veggie: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheese blendspepper jack can add a nice twist!
Serving & Storage Tips
Here’s how to best enjoy your buffalo chicken goodness:
Serve with a Salad: A simple green salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Leftover Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s even tastier the next day!
Freeze It: Portion out and freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick meal later!
Quick Tips Table
Preparation Steps
Timing
Pro Tips
Boil Chicken
15 minutes
Add chicken bouillon for extra flavor!
Cook Pasta
10-13 minutes
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Mix in Cheeses
5 minutes
Let cheeses sit out to soften for easier mixing.
Expert Says
Buffalo chicken pasta combines protein-rich chicken with the comforting taste of pasta, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The spicy buffalo sauce not only enhances taste but can also stimulate appetite, making this dish an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty dinner while maintaining balance in their diet.
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The Delicious Adventure of Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Crafting this Buffalo Chicken Pasta was a delightful journey that took several rounds of testing. I still remember the first batch that turned into a spicy disaster; I added way too much hot sauce! After some adjustments and familial taste tests, I am thrilled to share a balanced recipe that perfectly marries comfort and flavor.
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.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Buffalo Chicken Pasta turns outcreamy, spicy, and ready in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when comfort is key, and it’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Feel free to kick up the heat or swap in your favorite pasta. A quick tip from my kitchen: leftovers are even better the next day! I love pairing this dish with a crisp salad to balance the richness.
