Welcome to your new go-to recipe for a weeknight dinner sensation: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta! This incredibly quick and satisfying dish brings together tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a luscious, spicy buffalo sauce in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect harmony of comfort food and a kick of flavor, making it an undeniable family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget complicated culinary endeavors; this recipe is designed for ease without sacrificing an ounce of taste.
Whether you’re looking for a swift solution after a long day or simply craving that irresistible buffalo tang, this pasta delivers. The rich, cheesy sauce generously coats every strand of pasta and every bite of juicy chicken, creating a truly irresistible experience. For ultimate convenience, don’t hesitate to use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of tangy blue cheese crumbles, fresh vibrant parsley, and perhaps an extra dash of hot sauce for those who dare to spice things up – it’s a taste of pure heaven!
The Ultimate Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
When dinner dilemma strikes and you’re drawing a blank on what to cook, our creamy buffalo chicken pasta is here to save the day. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to be both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully straightforward. The heart of this dish lies in its exquisite sauce, a magical blend of zesty hot sauce, savory chicken broth, creamy cream cheese, and gooey shredded mozzarella. It all comes together effortlessly, forming the perfect companion for tender, bite-sized chicken and your preferred pasta shape.
This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, proving that sensational home cooking doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a comforting dish that packs a punch. If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo flavors, we also highly recommend exploring other delights like our Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip for an appetizer, or delve into our full collection of Buffalo Chicken Recipes to satisfy all your spicy cravings!
Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor
Creating this irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pasta starts with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature creamy texture and bold flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:
- Pasta: The foundation of any great pasta dish! While we love using penne or cavatappi for their ability to hold the rich sauce, feel free to use any medium-sized pasta shape you have on hand, such as rotini, ziti, or even shells. The key is to cook your pasta just to al dente. This ensures it retains a pleasant chewiness and doesn’t become overly soft or mushy once mixed into the warm, cheesy sauce, especially as it continues to absorb liquid while resting.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small, bite-sized pieces, is our go-to for its lean texture and quick cooking time. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile! For a super quick shortcut, a rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked or shredded chicken works perfectly. This is an excellent way to use up ingredients and cut down on prep time without compromising flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The secret weapon for an unbelievably creamy sauce! For seamless melting and a perfectly smooth texture, ensure your cream cheese is either cut into small cubes or softened to room temperature before adding it to the pan. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps and achieving that luxurious consistency.
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is our top recommendation for its classic, balanced buffalo flavor that’s spicy but not overwhelming. However, your favorite brand of hot sauce or a dedicated buffalo wings sauce will work beautifully. Adjust the amount to suit your personal heat preference – a little more for an extra kick, or a bit less for a milder taste.
- Chicken Broth: This essential liquid thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of flavor, marrying all the ingredients together. Both store-bought or homemade chicken broth can be used.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds a foundational savory note that complements the spicy and creamy elements of the sauce beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that ultimate cheesy pull and rich flavor, shredded mozzarella is a must. We highly recommend shredding your own from a block, as it melts significantly better and more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. As an alternative, Monterey Jack cheese or a blend of half Pepper Jack for an added subtle heat can be fantastic substitutes.
- Toppings: The garnishes aren’t just for show; they add layers of flavor and texture! Our favorites include crumbled blue cheese for a tangy counterpoint, extra Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for a final flavor flourish, and fresh chopped parsley for brightness. Other fantastic options include thinly sliced green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of cooling blue cheese or ranch dressing to balance the spice.
Mastering the Art of Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this comforting and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly delicious:
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne, cavatappi, or your favorite shape) and cook according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente consistency. This usually means it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While your pasta is simmering, heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast pieces to the hot pan. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Craft the Creamy Buffalo Sauce: Using the same pan (no need to clean it – those chicken drippings add extra flavor!), reduce the heat slightly to medium-low if necessary. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the softened or cubed cream cheese, your favorite hot sauce, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking continuously. Continue to cook and whisk until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy, without any lumps. This should take just a few minutes.
- Combine and Melt: Once your sauce is silky smooth, add about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the pan. Stir vigorously until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a rich, bubbly concoction. Immediately add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the pan. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken and pasta is generously coated in the luscious buffalo cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Final Cheese Melt: Remove the pan from the heat. Evenly sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Place a tight-fitting lid on your pot and let it sit undisturbed for approximately 5-10 minutes. The residual heat from the pasta and sauce will work its magic, melting the cheese into a beautiful, gooey layer.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese on top is perfectly melted and bubbling, your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is ready to be devoured! Serve immediately. Garnish each portion with a few extra splashes of hot sauce, a scattering of pungent blue cheese crumbles, and a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Enjoy every single satisfying bite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Traditional buffalo sauce typically consists of hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot) and melted butter, often with a hint of Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. In this creamy pasta recipe, we elevate the classic by replacing butter with a rich blend of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. This creates an exceptionally smooth, decadent, and cheesy sauce that perfectly clings to the pasta and chicken.
While Frank’s Red Hot is iconic for buffalo flavor, you absolutely have options. For a milder take, you can use a pre-made mild buffalo sauce or a less intense hot sauce. If you want to avoid heat altogether, you could adapt the recipe to be a cheesy chicken pasta without the buffalo element, perhaps by adding a touch of smoked paprika and a little extra chicken broth for flavor.
Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping! You can prepare the entire recipe the night before, but hold off on adding the second half of the shredded cheese on top. When you’re ready to serve the next day, simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), top with the remaining cheese, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through. This method prevents the pasta from becoming too soggy and ensures a fresh, cheesy top layer.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces work wonderfully. For ultimate convenience, pre-cooked options like shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken are fantastic and significantly reduce cooking time, allowing you to get dinner on the table even faster.
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a ranch or blue cheese dressing, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side of garlic bread or crusty artisan bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day.
- To Reheat: For best results, gently reheat leftovers in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a double boiler or a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir until heated evenly. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients
Measurements provided in US Customary units.
- 16 ounces pasta, penne, cavatappi, or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 3/4″ pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper, then cook while stirring until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chicken broth, cream cheese, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and continue to cook until the cream cheese is melted and smooth, whisking as needed.
- Add half of the shredded cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling again. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and stir until combined.
- Remove from the heat and top with the other half of the shredded cheese. Place a lid on your pot and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted.
- Garnish with a few splashes of hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Reheating: reheat leftovers in the microwave, or reheat in a double boiler over the stovetop.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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Explore More Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes
If you loved this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is brimming with even more fantastic pasta recipes designed for ease, flavor, and pure comfort. Discover your next family favorite among these delightful options:
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- Classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Hearty Meatball Pasta Bake
- Savory Ground Beef Pasta Bake
- Traditional Homemade Lasagna
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- Looking for more budget-friendly options? Check out our Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas.
- Discover our full collection of Pasta Recipes.
- And for all your dinner inspirations, explore our comprehensive Main Dish Recipes.
We hope this detailed guide helps you create a truly memorable meal. Don’t forget to leave a rating and share your culinary creations with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok!