Buffalo Chicken Pasta is your new go-to for those nights when you crave comfort food but refuse to settle for bland or boring. Creamy, cheesy, and spiked with the irresistible zing of buffalo sauce, this dish perfectly balances spice and richness in every forkful. It’s a playful mashup of classic buffalo chicken wings and luscious pasta that’s fast enough for a weeknight but special enough for sharing with friends. Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed adventure, just waiting to brighten up your dinner table.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes from simple ingredients working together for bold results. Each one packs its own punch—offering heat, creaminess, savory depth, or a burst of freshness—making every bite memorable.

Penne Pasta: This short, ridged noodle holds onto every bit of the creamy, spicy sauce for a perfectly saucy bite.
Olive Oil: Just a splash to get our chicken golden and tender without sticking.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all those amazing flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in your chicken and sauce.
Garlic: A couple of cloves give a fragrant warmth that lingers in every mouthful.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the heart of the dish—choose your favorite brand and control the heat!
Heavy Cream: Adds unbeatable richness and tames the buffalo kick, creating a velvety sauce.
Chicken Broth: It brings savory depth and helps the sauce stay silky and luscious.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For sharp, melty flavor in every bite.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds the perfect gooey, stretchy texture to the sauce.
Cream Cheese: Cubed and melted in, this makes your sauce extra smooth and oh-so-decadent.
Green Onions: Sliced for a fresh, colorful finishing touch.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Brightens up the plate and adds a touch of herbaceous freshness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. You want it al dente so it absorbs the sauce but stays pleasantly firm. Drain and set aside while you get the rest of the magic going.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and let them sizzle until they’re golden and cooked through—about 5 or 6 minutes. Juicy, golden chicken is the perfect base for all the flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Toss in those minced garlic cloves and sauté until beautifully fragrant—just one minute does the trick. Pour in the buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, crank up to a gentle simmer, and let the flavors come together for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: The Cheese Meltdown

Now it’s time for the dreamy cheesy moment! Add the cream cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce becomes gorgeously smooth. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella—stirring until melted and fully combined into the rich, creamy sauce you’ve been dreaming of.

Step 5: Toss Together and Heat Through

Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss everything really well, making sure each noodle is luxuriously coated in sauce. Heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and the pasta absorb the deliciousness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower the top with fresh green onions and, if you’d like, a sprinkle of parsley. It’s all about that final pop of color and fresh flavor. Now your Buffalo Chicken Pasta is ready to impress!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Give your Buffalo Chicken Pasta the finishing touch it deserves! Classic green onions are a must for their fresh bite and color, but don’t overlook chopped parsley for garden-fresh vibrance. If you’re a blue cheese fan, a handful of crumbles elevate every bite with creamy tanginess—totally optional but recommended for adventurous eaters.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with something crisp and simple for balance. A green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing is a perfect match for the spice. If you’re feeling indulgent, toasted garlic bread or buttery rolls make the ultimate sidekick, ready to soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! For game day or parties, spoon Buffalo Chicken Pasta into ramekins or mini skillets for personal servings. For a fun twist, top with crushed tortilla chips and a drizzle of ranch. Or stuff leftovers inside baked bell peppers for a show-stopping, flavor-packed meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores wonderfully for next-day cravings. After cooling, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate; they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. The sauce thickens a bit, but losing none of its spicy, cheesy goodness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pasta! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to two months. Be aware—because of the creamy cheeses, the sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a quick stir when reheating brings it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Buffalo Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Microwaving works too; stir every 30 seconds to heat evenly and restore that irresistible creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just skip the sautéing step and stir the chicken into the sauce to warm through before adding the pasta. It shaves minutes off your prep and still soaks up all that bold buffalo flavor.

Is Buffalo Chicken Pasta very spicy?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. Start with half a cup and increase to taste; creamy cheeses help balance the spice, so you end up with a pleasant kick rather than overwhelming heat.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta variety, and double-check your buffalo sauce and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. You’ll still get all the same saucy, spicy, cheesy goodness.

What’s the best way to make it ahead for a party?

If you’re hosting, assemble Buffalo Chicken Pasta up to the point before garnishing, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add the fresh green onions and parsley right before serving for the best color and texture.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Of course! Stir-sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli can be added right after cooking the chicken. They soak up the sauce beautifully and offer added color, flavor, and nutrition to your pasta party.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Buffalo Chicken Pasta, it’s impossible not to crave it again. Creamy, tangy, cheesy, and packing that perfect touch of heat, it’s a dinner that hits every note and brings smiles to the table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—this is the ultimate weeknight hero you’ll reach for again and again!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of Buffalo Chicken Pasta, a delightful fusion of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey cheeses tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
2 green onions (sliced)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package directions; set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden. Add garlic.
Make the Sauce: Add buffalo sauce, cream, broth. Simmer, then add cheeses.
Combine: Toss in pasta, heat through.
Garnish: Add green onions and parsley.