Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 pound cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1 cup ranch dressing; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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Craving a bold, comforting meal? Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the fiery kick of buffalo wings with creamy, cheesy pasta for a weeknight dinner that’s a total crowd-pleaser. This chicken pasta is easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings. Get ready to enjoy buffalo pasta at its best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Spicy: Classic buffalo flavor in a creamy chicken pasta.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 40 minutes for easy buffalo pasta.
Family-Friendly: Cheesy and comforting, loved by all ages.
Customizable: Adjust spice or add veggies to this Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes great the next day in salads or wraps.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need for this buffalo pasta (serves 4–6):

12 oz (340g) penne pasta
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup (120ml) buffalo wing sauce
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
¼ cup (60ml) ranch dressing
¾ cup (75g) shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup (75g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp (10g) sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Tips

Pasta: Swap penne with rigatoni or rotini for this chicken pasta.
Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep in this buffalo pasta.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose a milder sauce or reduce to ⅓ cup for less spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Cheese: Use all cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavor in this chicken pasta.
Ranch: Substitute with blue cheese dressing for a bolder buffalo pasta.

Directions for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Let’s make this zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, I cook 12 oz penne pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, per package instructions. I drain and set aside for this buffalo pasta.

Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt 2 tbsp butter, then add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant, building the base for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Make the Sauce

I stir in ½ cup buffalo wing sauce and 4 oz cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. I add ¼ cup ranch dressing, mixing to create a tangy sauce for this chicken pasta.

Add Chicken

I toss in 2 cups shredded chicken, stirring to coat in the sauce, letting it thicken slightly for flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Combine Pasta

On low heat, I add the cooked penne, tossing until fully coated in the creamy, spicy sauce for this buffalo pasta.

Add Cheese and Serve

I sprinkle ¾ cup each of cheddar and mozzarella over the pasta, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes. I season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, then serve hot, garnished with 2 tbsp green onions if desired, for a vibrant Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4–6 (about 1.5 cups per serving)
Calories: ~450–500 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 25g protein, 20g fat, 2g fiber

Nutrition Notes

Calories and macros are estimates based on 1.5 cups per serving. Using less cheese or a lighter ranch dressing may reduce fat to ~15g per serving.

Variations

Try these twists on this chicken pasta recipe:

Milder Flavor: Use less buffalo sauce for less spicy Spicy Chicken Pasta.
Veggie Boost: Add diced celery or bell peppers for crunchy buffalo pasta.
Cheese Swap: Use blue cheese instead of cheddar for bold Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Pasta Twist: Try rotini or fusilli for a fun chicken pasta shape.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken with cauliflower for meat-free buffalo pasta.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with a celery and carrot salad for a classic buffalo vibe.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Enjoy with iced tea for a refreshing contrast.

Storage

I store this chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, cooled completely to maintain texture. For freezing, I portion into freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of milk, or microwave until hot, for creamy buffalo pasta.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta in a large bowl for a cozy vibe.
Garnish: Top with green onions or crumbled blue cheese for flair.
Pairing: Pair with a salad or bread to complement the chicken pasta.
Portion Size: About 1.5 cups per person as a main.
Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or potlucks.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving game changer and it packs a lot of flavor. Simply shred or dice and proceed with the recipe for quick, delicious results.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta less spicy?
Definitely. Just use less buffalo sauce or choose a milder variety, then add extra ranch dressing or a little more cream cheese to cool things down. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy it, even if they prefer less heat.

What other types of pasta work well?
While penne is fantastic because it holds sauce so well, feel free to swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. The important part is choosing a shape that packs in all that delicious sauce.

Can Buffalo Chicken Pasta be made in advance?
You sure can! Prepare the entire dish up to the point before adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat, sprinkle over the cheeses, and let them melt. You’ll have a hot, melty dinner whenever you need it.

Is there a vegetarian version?
For a meat-free twist, swap in cooked cauliflower, chickpeas, or even plant-based chicken substitutes. The creamy, spicy sauce works wonderfully with a range of proteins or veggies.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy dish that brings buffalo wing flavors to your table. This chicken pasta recipe is a must-try. Make this buffalo pasta, share with loved ones, and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!