Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Oh boy, do I have a game-changer for dinner tonight! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and ridiculously easy to make. If you love buffalo wings and cheesy pasta, get ready—because this dish is a total flavor bomb!

I made this the other night, and wow, it disappeared fast. The creamy sauce has just the right kick, and the tender chicken makes every bite perfect. Plus, it all comes together in one pan—yep, less cleanup!

Imagine twirling a forkful of spicy, cheesy pasta, packed with juicy chicken. That creamy buffalo sauce? Oh, it coats every noodle just right. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this on repeat!

Grab your ingredients, and let’s whip up some magic in the kitchen. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to be your new favorite comfort food. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Spicy Combo: The heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly balances the richness of the creamy cheese sauce.
• Easy One-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and cheese choices to suit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prepping for the week.

Difficulty Level:

Easy. Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this creamy and flavorful buffalo chicken pasta, you’ll need:

• Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and combine everything.
• Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise seasoning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir the sauce and pasta.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese for better melting.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup petite diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes).
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Prepare the Buffalo Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Once melted, add 1 cup of diced tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes to soften.
3. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor.
4. Add 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese and ½ cup of buffalo sauce, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
5. Stir in ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.

4. Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This creamy, spicy pasta is best served hot and fresh. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Add Extra Cheese: For a gooey finish, top with extra shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar before serving.
• Drizzle with Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: If you love classic buffalo wing flavors, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the pasta.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a Side Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

How to Store & Reheat Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir until warmed through.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Add a little water or broth if needed.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

• Make It Spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper or use an extra-spicy buffalo sauce.
• Use Different Pasta: Swap penne for rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a little heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
• Go Low-Carb: Replace pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred cheese from a block for the best results.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce. For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta to al dente ensures it stays firm when mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a little reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For a rich and creamy sauce, avoid low-fat cream cheese, which can result in a thinner texture.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	36g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	105mg
Sodium	1180mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop with a little broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

If you want a milder version, try mixing hot sauce with melted butter or using a barbecue sauce for a sweeter twist.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well in this recipe.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for spicy food lovers. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, this easy one-pan meal will become a favorite. Try it today, and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, cheese, and tender chicken in every bite!