If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort with a spicy twist, Buffalo Chicken Pasta is absolutely calling your name! This dish takes everything you adore about classic buffalo wings—zippy heat, creamy tang, and plenty of cheesy goodness—and wraps it all around perfectly cooked pasta. The result? A weeknight dinner that’s as cozy and crave-worthy as it is easy to throw together, bringing the bold flavors of your favorite game day snack straight to your dinner table.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Pasta is how it uses a handful of straightforward ingredients to deliver a knockout combination of flavor, creaminess, and that essential fiery kick. Each item brings something important to the table, guaranteeing a dish that’s anything but boring.

Penne pasta: Its ridges soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced, it’s the hearty protein that makes this dish filling.
Garlic: A quick sauté boosts the aroma and adds depth to the sauce.
Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, providing zing, spice, and that classic buffalo flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, it melts down to create an ultra-smooth, creamy base.
Ranch dressing: Balances the heat with its cool, tangy creaminess.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and sharp, it brings bold cheesy flavor to every bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Lends extra gooeyness and a stretchy cheese pull that’s irresistible.
Salt: Just a touch to brighten all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and balances the spice levels.
Sliced green onions (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, zesty finish.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in your penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender with a little bite. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside; it’s waiting for its flavorful destiny!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. This quick step makes your kitchen smell incredible and creates a foundation of flavor for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

Add the buffalo wing sauce and the cubed cream cheese right into the skillet. Whisk everything together patiently—watch as the cream cheese melts away and turns the mixture into a dreamy, smooth sauce that coats a spoon like velvet. Stir in the ranch dressing, and just like that, you have a tangy, creamy buffalo sauce worthy of your pasta.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Drop the shredded (or diced) cooked chicken into the skillet, tossing it with the sauce to coat every bit. You’ll notice the sauce thickens slightly as it soaks into the chicken. This is what gives Buffalo Chicken Pasta its irresistible, stick-to-your-fork quality!

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Reduce the heat to low, then pile in your cooked penne. Gently toss everything together until every piece of pasta is blanketed in creamy, spicy sauce. The aroma right now is undeniably tempting—try not to “taste test” too much!

Step 6: Add Cheese, Melt, and Serve

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheeses will melt into super-gooey pools, giving you those signature cheesy pulls. Season with salt and pepper, then get ready to serve it up hot—don’t forget a sprinkle of green onions if you love a fresh kick!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

There’s something extra delightful about dressing up your Buffalo Chicken Pasta just before serving. A handful of sliced green onions adds sharpness and a gentle crunch, while crumbled blue cheese or crispy bacon bits can turn each bite into a flavor party. Fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce is always welcome for a vibrant, restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

Balance out the spicy, creamy indulgence with some cool, crunchy sides. A crisp garden salad with celery and carrots gives a nice nod to classic buffalo pairings, and toasted garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, serve with simple steamed broccoli or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try baking portions in individual ramekins for that bubbling, golden cheese crown. Or, serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta in a big, family-style bowl straight from the skillet for a casual dinner party vibe. You can even spoon leftovers into jumbo pasta shells for a fun, hand-held twist that’s perfect for reheating the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Chicken Pasta (a rare treat!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ready to offer you a speedy lunch or stress-free dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, portion your pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Lay flat in the freezer for easy stacking. When stored this way, Buffalo Chicken Pasta holds up for about 2 months. Just remember that the texture of cream cheese-based sauces can shift slightly after freezing, so reheat gently for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, you can pop a portion in the microwave (covered, with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce) or warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until hot and creamy—add a handful of extra shredded cheese if the pasta needs a little “refresh.”

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo 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.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Buffalo Chicken Pasta a whirl next time you want something unbeatable for dinner. It grabs all the best parts of buffalo night and ties them up in a cheesy pasta hug. Taste, comfort, and plenty of personality—a total win-win for family dinners or cozy meals with friends!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines the classic flavors of buffalo chicken wings with creamy pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Sauce:

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup ranch dressing

Cheese:

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning:

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne pasta. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, add garlic, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Add ranch dressing.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix in cooked pasta and toss to coat.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the pasta, cover, and melt the cheese.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.