Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe: Spicy Comfort Food Magic

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta merges spicy comfort with hearty satisfaction in a single delightful dish.

Zesty flavors dance across tender noodles, creating an irresistible meal that sparks instant excitement.

Jalapeño-loving friends and culinary adventurers will appreciate this bold combination of tangy sauce and succulent protein.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a memorable dining experience that goes beyond typical weeknight dinners.

Unexpected heat levels make each bite an thrilling culinary journey.

Cheese and chicken mingle in perfect harmony, delivering complex layers of flavor.

You’ll want to savor every delectable forkful of this mouthwatering creation.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta That Brings the Heat

• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Whip up a delicious buffalo chicken pasta that combines bold flavors and creamy textures in just a few simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults at family dinners or gatherings.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy households, this one-skillet recipe comes together rapidly, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adjust the heat level by changing buffalo sauce quantities or add extra toppings like blue cheese crumbles for a personalized touch that keeps everyone excited about dinner.

What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the buffalo chicken dish.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that absorbs the spicy buffalo sauce and adds substantial flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: A signature spicy condiment that gives the recipe its bold and tangy kick.

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the sauce and helps develop deep flavors.
• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Provides creamy smoothness and helps balance the buffalo sauce's heat.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty element that complements the spicy chicken.

• Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds a light, crisp garnish and subtle onion flavor.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Optional topping that offers additional cooling and tangy notes.

How to Cook Buffalo Chicken Pasta Without Fuss

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your pasta according to the package instructions.

Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside, ready for the flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Butter Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its incredible fragrant aroma, filling your kitchen with delicious anticipation.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Buffalo sauce
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky and well combined.

Step 4: Infuse Chicken with Spicy Goodness

Add shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring every piece gets completely coated.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge beautifully.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Deliciousness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a rich, velvety texture.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so each pasta strand gets drenched in the spicy, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates, then top with chopped green onions.

Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired for extra indulgence.

Best Results for Spicy Buffalo Pasta

• Use high-quality buffalo sauce for a more robust and authentic spicy kick.
• Keep heat low and stir continuously when adding cream cheese to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Shred rotisserie chicken for a quicker, more tender protein option that absorbs sauce perfectly.
• Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to personalize heat intensity, from mild to extra hot according to preference.

New Spins for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Fans

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, using the same buffalo sauce and creamy base for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the spicy buffalo sauce and protein-rich ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Remix: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture and tangy flavor profile.

Plates That Pair with Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Party Plate Perfection: Arrange pasta in a large serving platter with extra green onions sprinkled on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Serve with crispy tortilla chips or toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the rich, spicy buffalo sauce.
• Cool Companion Combo: Add a refreshing side salad with crisp lettuce and cucumber to balance the pasta's heat and creamy texture.
• Game Day Presentation: Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of extra ranch dressing and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer style.

Smart Storage for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or milk to maintain sauce smoothness. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and break up any clumped pasta.

FAQs

• Is buffalo sauce too spicy for kids?

You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce to make it kid-friendly. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side so each person can control the heat level.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with standard pasta shapes like penne or rotini, you can experiment with shells, bowtie, or any pasta that holds sauce well.

• What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt. These alternatives will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the sauce.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of cream, reduce cheese quantity, and add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta delivers spicy comfort in one hearty dish. Home cooks can quickly prepare this zesty meal with simple ingredients and enjoy delicious results you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or choice)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature until completely melted and slightly bubbling.
3. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing quickly until aromatic and translucent, approximately 30-45 seconds.
4. Pour buffalo sauce into the skillet, combining with heavy cream, cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously until sauce becomes smooth and uniform.
5. Incorporate shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld.
6. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, stirring methodically until completely melted and integrated with the sauce.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture, rotating pan to distribute sauce evenly and guarantee complete coverage.
8. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions. Optionally drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Choose a mild buffalo sauce for less heat, allowing more people to enjoy the dish without overwhelming spiciness.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a lighter, protein-rich version with reduced calories.
• Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• Prep chicken in advance by slow-cooking or using rotisserie meat to save time and ensure tender, flavorful results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 521 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg