If you crave a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness, then you are going to adore this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines tender shredded chicken tossed in vibrant buffalo wing sauce with a luscious blend of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and two types of melty cheese, all served with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish has the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and comforting texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role, from the spicy buffalo sauce to the creamy cheeses, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s both hearty and refreshing.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The ideal shape to hold all that delicious sauce in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic, building foundational flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic depth and a subtle kick to the dish.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Protein-packed and perfectly tender to soak up the buffalo goodness.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star ingredient delivering that signature tangy heat.
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese (softened): Creates a creamy base that balances the spiciness.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cool, herby contrast to the buffalo spice.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy goodness throughout.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp flavor punch and lovely color.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Fresh and slightly pungent, perfect for garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. Perfectly cooked pasta is crucial here because you want it to hold up when tossed in all that creamy buffalo sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant and golden. Garlic is the flavor powerhouse that will elevate the entire dish, so don’t rush this step or let it burn.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
Add your shredded chicken to the skillet, then pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken uniformly with the spicy sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with that iconic buffalo heat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are fully melted and combined into a smooth and creamy sauce. This blend is what makes the dish indulgently rich and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Introduce the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, using tongs or a spoon to gently toss and coat every piece with the luscious buffalo cream sauce. This part is gratifying—watching the pasta get enveloped in spicy, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Season
Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until they melt into the pasta creating gooey, flavorful pockets. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese not only adds flavor but also that crave-worthy texture everyone loves.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top the pasta with freshly sliced green onions just before serving to add a contrasting crisp texture and fresh burst of flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic finishing touch, adding a mild punch of freshness. For an extra flourish, consider crumbling some blue cheese or adding a drizzle of ranch dressing on top to amp up the creamy contrast against the buffalo heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crispy celery sticks or a simple green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake the buffalo chicken pasta in a casserole dish topped with extra shredded cheese for 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F for a bubbly, golden crust. Serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets not only looks charming but keeps the pasta warm longer—perfect for parties or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce works well for next-day meals, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld even further.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover buffalo chicken pasta by placing it in a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or extra sour cream when reheating helps reintroduce creaminess that can sometimes be lost in cooling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even bowtie pasta depending on your preference.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The dish has a moderate heat level thanks to the buffalo wing sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hotter.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and reheats easily, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy weeks.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can adapt it by replacing the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian-friendly buffalo sauce, though the flavor will be different but still delicious.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can mix mayonnaise with fresh herbs, garlic powder, and a splash of buttermilk or milk to create a quick homemade version.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that delivers instant comfort with a satisfying kick of spice and creaminess. It’s quick to whip up, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation, ready to be enjoyed again and again.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, spicy buffalo chicken pasta that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender penne pasta tossed in a rich sauce made from buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded chicken, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Chicken Mixture
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish and Seasoning
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the skillet, then pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly, allowing it to heat through.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until all ingredients are melted and combined into a smooth sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy buffalo sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and incorporated evenly.
- Season and Garnish: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- You can turn this into a baked casserole by transferring the assembled pasta to a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
