If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, then you are in for a treat with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce mingling perfectly with melted cheddar and mozzarella, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a dish that brilliantly combines the zingy heat of buffalo wings with the cozy satisfaction of a cheesy pasta bake, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something that feels special but comes together effortlessly.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple but crucial. Each component plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful punch of color that will make your dish irresistible.

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Choose a shape that holds sauce well to ensure each bite is saucy and satisfying.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using cooked chicken gives you a protein-packed base with a tender bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for gently sautéing garlic and enhancing aroma.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory backbone to the sauce.
1 cup buffalo sauce: Brings that signature tangy and spicy kick essential to the dish.
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: Adds creaminess and cools the heat slightly while boosting flavor complexity.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and color contrast.
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Gives gooey stretch and melty goodness that binds the pasta together.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant appearance.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish.
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild onion bite that finishes the dish beautifully.
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For an extra punch of creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the buffalo flavors.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right amount of bite so it doesn’t get mushy once combined with the creamy buffalo sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you focus on crafting that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—this little step is a flavor powerhouse that infuses the whole dish with a warm, inviting aroma you won’t be able to resist.

Step 3: Create the Buffalo Cream Sauce

Now, stir in your buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and softened cream cheese. Toss in paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep the heat moderate and stir often until the sauce melts together into a rich, velvety mixture. This sauce is where the magic happens, marrying bold spices with creamy textures seamlessly.

Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken

Once the sauce is glossy and smooth, fold in the shredded cooked chicken. Toss the chicken thoroughly so each tender piece gets coated in that flavorful buffalo sauce, absorbing all the spicy, creamy goodness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheeses

Next, add the cooked pasta along with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet. Stir everything together over low heat until the cheeses melt and cling to every noodle and chunk of chicken, creating the ultimate comfort food feel. This step transforms the dish into a cheesy, spicy hug you never knew you needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove your buffalo chicken pasta from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional crumbled blue cheese. These finishing touches add vibrant color, texture contrast, and layers of flavor that bring this dish to life.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions add the perfect mild sharpness and a pop of color, balancing the creamy heat. If you love a richer punch, crumbled blue cheese on top adds a tangy, savory touch that complements the buffalo sauce superbly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp celery sticks or a refreshing side salad to cool down the spiciness. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also make excellent companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that mouthwatering sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in mini casserole dishes for individual portions or stuff it inside bell peppers before baking for an irresistible presentation. Alternatively, garnish with extra buffalo sauce drizzles or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, avoid adding fresh garnishes before freezing; save those for after reheating to keep them fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave it covered with a damp paper towel, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs first by grilling, baking, or sautéing, then shred them before adding to the sauce. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing.

What if I don’t like blue cheese?

No worries! Ranch dressing and cheddar cheese still give you plenty of creamy, tangy flavors. You can omit blue cheese or substitute with extra cheddar or mozzarella for a milder profile.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Most buffalo sauces are moderately spicy, but you can adjust by using mild sauce or balancing with more ranch dressing to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure the buffalo sauce and dressings you use are gluten-free as well.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta, opt for grilled chicken breast, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. You can also add steamed veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy all the exciting flavors of buffalo wings transformed into a creamy, cheesy pasta that is hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Don’t wait to try it—you’re going to fall in love with every tangy, savory bite!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 65 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta that combines tender shredded chicken, pasta, and a flavorful buffalo sauce blended with cream cheese and ranch dressing. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this quick and easy skillet dish delivers the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, garnished with fresh green onions and optional blue cheese for an extra tangy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

Chicken and Sauce

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta according to package instructions and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated and heated through.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the cooked pasta along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the dish is evenly combined.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce accordingly.
Ranch dressing can be substituted with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free varieties.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American