Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you crave the bold, tangy heat of Buffalo wings but want a comforting, cheesy pasta dish, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to become your new obsession! It combines tender bites of chicken, a lusciously creamy cheese sauce with a zippy hit of Buffalo flavor, and the perfect pasta to soak up every drop. The result? A true showstopper that’s a little spicy, plenty rich, and just downright delicious for both weeknights and casual gatherings with friends. Trust me, this one will have everyone scraping their plates clean!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry standards and fresh items, you’re only minutes away from creamy, spicy comfort. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing its own magic to the final Buffalo Chicken Pasta—whether that’s zing, creaminess, or melty-cheese goodness.

• Penne Pasta: Its ridged shape is perfect for catching all that saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Chopped into bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets an equal share of juicy chicken.
• Olive Oil: A staple for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruitiness to the dish.
• Butter: Lends richness and helps achieve that luscious, silky sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for flavorful depth and aroma.
• Onion: Sautéed with garlic to offer gentle sweetness and complexity.
• Buffalo Hot Sauce: The unmistakable, bold kick that defines Buffalo Chicken Pasta; use your favorite brand.
• Heavy Cream: Balances the heat with its creamy, decadent texture.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to melt beautifully into the sauce, making it ultra-rich.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Gives the sauce nostalgic cheddar bite and gorgeous color.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For irresistible stretchiness and a creamy melt.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential for rounding out the flavors.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: A finishing touch that adds tang and takes things all the way into Buffalo wing territory.
• Sliced Green Onions: Fresh, green pops for garnish that cut through the richness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. This ensures the noodles won’t go mushy when tossed together with the sauce later—al dente is key for perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta texture!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken, season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, and sear until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. The golden crust on the chicken adds a savory depth that makes every bite special. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, drop in your minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about two minutes, just until they soften and release their gorgeous aroma. This simple step layers in a subtle sweetness and fragrance that perfectly balances the bold Buffalo sauce.

Step 4: Build the Buffalo Sauce

Add your Buffalo hot sauce and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until the mixture begins to come together. Next, add the softened cream cheese, whisking or stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Take a little taste—this is where you can adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce for more or less heat, depending on your crowd!

Step 5: Make It Cheesy

Turn down the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. They’ll melt into the creamy Buffalo mixture, creating a perfectly gooey sauce that honestly could be eaten on its own with a spoon. Don’t skip this part—the blend of cheeses is what gives Buffalo Chicken Pasta its irresistible richness!

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add in your drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with that vibrant orange sauce from edge to edge. Serve the pasta piping hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle on blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions for that final burst of classic Buffalo flavor and a little freshness.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a feast for the senses, especially with the right finishing touches. Scatter blue cheese crumbles on top for zing, and add thinly sliced green onions to brighten every plate. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or even a drizzle of extra hot sauce also makes an eye-catching and tasty garnish for those who dare to turn up the heat!

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and flavorful, so crisp and simple sides really help round out your meal. Try serving it with a classic Caesar salad, a side of crunchy celery and carrot sticks, or warm, buttery garlic bread. The cool crunch and fresh greens balance the spicy, creamy pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Buffalo Chicken Pasta beyond the bowl! Spoon it into shallow pasta plates for a classic look, or serve in mini ramekins for an appetizer version at parties. For something unexpected, pile it into a baking dish, top with more mozzarella and blue cheese, and broil until bubbly for an irresistible cheesy crust on top. Leftovers also make fabulous pasta melts the next day—just layer into a roll and toast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps nicely in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but that just makes it all the creamier when you warm it up again.

Freezing

If you’re prepping ahead, portion out the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out as much air as possible. Buffalo Chicken Pasta holds up in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat and enjoy!

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, reheat the pasta gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream, stirring until warmed through and creamy again. You can also microwave individual portions—just add a bit of liquid and cover to prevent drying out. Top with extra cheese or green onions to revive that just-cooked magic!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce beautifully, any pasta shape you love—like rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—will work well for Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

How can I make it less spicy?

To tone down the heat, use a milder wing sauce or reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce. Adding extra cream or cream cheese also helps mellow things out without losing flavor.

Is there a way to lighten this recipe?

Yes! For a lighter Buffalo Chicken Pasta, substitute Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese and use light cream instead of heavy cream. Rotisserie chicken breast is another lean option.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Buffalo sauce is gluten-free. The creamy, spicy flavors carry over perfectly.

What protein substitutes work well?

If you’re skipping chicken, cooked shrimp, shredded rotisserie turkey, or even crispy tofu all make great swaps. The sauce is delicious with any protein you choose!

Final Thoughts

This creamy, spicy, undeniably delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta will win over any crowd and is shockingly simple to make. Give it a try—whether it’s for a fun weeknight dinner or your next gathering, I promise it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe lineup. Enjoy every zesty, cheesy forkful!

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