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)
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
