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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature until completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Introduce minced garlic, sautéing quickly until aromatic and translucent, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- 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.
- Incorporate shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld.
- Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, stirring methodically until completely melted and integrated with the sauce.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture, rotating pan to distribute sauce evenly and guarantee complete coverage.
- 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