Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through creamy, spicy pasta, capturing tender chunks of chicken coated in that unmistakable tangy Buffalo Chicken Pasta sauce. This mouthwatering dish brings together the beloved flavors of buffalo wings and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying pasta experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. The combination of rich, creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll learn how to balance the heat, achieve the perfect sauce consistency, and create a Buffalo Chicken Pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible dish. The creamy, cheesy sauce provides a perfect counterbalance to the signature buffalo heat, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s addictively delicious. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the tender pasta, juicy chicken pieces, and the occasional crunch from fresh garnishes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. The dish strikes that perfect balance between creamy and spicy, with the tanginess of the buffalo sauce cutting through the richness of the cheese.

The Buffalo Chicken Pasta also offers that nostalgic sports bar flavor in a more sophisticated form, elevating casual buffalo chicken into a complete meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the desire for something a bit more special than ordinary pasta dishes.

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (or rotini)
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Blue cheese crumbles for garnish

The buffalo sauce is the star ingredient here—choose a high-quality one with good flavor and heat level that suits your preference. For the creamiest spicy chicken pasta, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream which create the luxurious texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

Pro Tips

Perfect Your Pasta: Cook the pasta just to al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). The pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce. This prevents mushy pasta in your final Buffalo Chicken Pasta dish and ensures each bite has the perfect texture.

Balance The Heat: The key to exceptional Buffalo Chicken Pasta is balancing the spiciness with creaminess. Start with less buffalo sauce and gradually add more to reach your desired heat level. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away! For a milder version that still maintains the buffalo flavor, mix the hot sauce with melted butter before adding to the dish.

Create Depth of Flavor: For restaurant-quality results, season in layers. Season the chicken before cooking, then taste and adjust the final sauce. Allow the cream mixture to simmer and reduce slightly before adding the pasta – this concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce perfectly. If the sauce seems too thin, let it bubble gently for an extra minute; if too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the ideal silky consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta. While waiting, cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Measure out all remaining ingredients so they’re ready to go – this Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes together quickly once you start cooking!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – that starch helps the sauce adhere better to your Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the buffalo sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds, then add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Cheeses and Combine

Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in small handfuls, stirring until completely melted and incorporated after each addition. This ensures a smooth sauce for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy buffalo sauce. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and blue cheese crumbles if desired.

Variations

Vegetarian Buffalo Pasta: Transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by replacing chicken with roasted cauliflower florets and chickpeas. Toss the cauliflower in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden and tender before adding to the sauce. The cauliflower absorbs the buffalo flavor beautifully while providing a satisfying texture in this meatless version of Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole: For a make-ahead option, prepare the Buffalo Chicken Pasta as directed, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and buttered breadcrumbs mixed with blue cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. This creates a delicious crusty top while keeping the pasta underneath creamy and flavorful.

Lightened-Up Buffalo Pasta: Create a lighter version by using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of some of the heavy cream, and reduced-fat cream cheese. Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional nutrients and volume without significantly increasing calories, while still maintaining the essential buffalo chicken pasta experience.

Storage and Serving

Storage: This Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely then store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop with additional cream to restore the texture.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta with a crisp side salad dressed with ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement the spicy flavors. Garlic bread or breadsticks make perfect accompaniments for soaking up extra sauce. For a complete game day spread, pair smaller portions with celery and carrot sticks – the traditional buffalo wing accompaniments that offer a refreshing crunch and coolness against the spicy pasta.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Buffalo Chicken Pasta up to a day ahead. The sauce will thicken in the refrigerator, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or separation.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
The spice level can be easily adjusted to your preference. Using 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce creates a medium heat that most people enjoy. For a milder version, reduce to 1/4 cup; for extra spicy, increase to 3/4 cup or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 2-3 cups of chicken and add it when the recipe calls for returning the cooked chicken to the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work as substitutes, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk provides good creaminess, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to your Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Medium shapes that capture sauce work best – penne, rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi are ideal choices. Their ridges and crevices hold onto the creamy buffalo sauce, ensuring every bite of Buffalo Chicken Pasta is perfectly flavored.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors that transform an ordinary pasta night into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between casual game day fare and satisfying family dinner, bringing people together with its irresistible aroma and flavor. Whether you’re craving the familiar kick of buffalo wings or looking to elevate your pasta routine, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both exciting and comforting. Make it once, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your dinner rotation.

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