If you are craving a dish that combines creamy textures, spicy zest, and hearty comfort all in one bowl, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s an irresistible fusion of tender chicken, tangy buffalo wing sauce, and melted cheese, perfectly enveloping al dente penne pasta. This dish brings together the mouthwatering flavors of classic buffalo chicken with the satisfying warmth of pasta, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd with minimal effort but maximum flavor impact.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet how each plays a crucial role in delivering that signature creamy-spicy flavor and inviting texture. From creamy cheeses providing richness, to the buffalo wing sauce giving it a lively kick, every item has a purpose.

1 pound penne pasta: The sturdy, tubular shape holds the sauce wonderfully for every bite.
1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened: Adds a smooth, velvety base for the sauce development.
½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended): The star for that authentic, tangy heat that defines the dish.
1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and adds a subtle savoriness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the depth of flavor with a mild punch.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and brightens the overall taste.
1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded: Provides protein and absorbs all the wonderful sauce flavors.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, contributing creamy stretchiness.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and color contrast in the dish.
¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Perfect for drizzling on top for an extra tangy coolness that complements the spice.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures each bite has a pleasant firmness that stands up well to the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to prepare the sauce without any haste.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth in the pan. Simmer this mixture gently, stirring constantly to melt the cream cheese smoothly into a silky, spicy sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully. Watch as the sauce transforms into a luscious, velvety base that brings everything together.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

To elevate the flavor even further, add the garlic powder and kosher salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until these simple seasonings are fully integrated. This step rounds out the spicy buffalo tang with subtle layers of savory depth, giving the dish its character.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta

Next, stir in your shredded cooked chicken. Whether you prefer breast or thigh, cooked and shredded chicken soaks up the sauce wonderfully and adds a satisfying protein punch. Then fold in the drained penne pasta, tossing gently so that every nook and cranny of the rigatoni is coated in that irresistible buffalo cream sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Finally, fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated, lending the dish a rich, gooey texture with bursts of sharpness and creamy appeal. This cheesy finish ensures the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers on that comforting, cozy promise with every forkful.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once everything is combined and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta right away, and if you like, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for that classic cool and creamy contrast that bounces perfectly against the spicy buffalo flavor.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a fresh, bright edge to this rich dish, enhancing both its visual appeal and flavor brightness. You can also add a few celery sticks on the side to nod to buffalo wing traditions and provide a crisp, cooling crunch.

Side Dishes

Since this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich and filling, light and fresh sides work best. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans balances the heaviness while adding a satisfying crunch and extra nutrients. Garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser if you want something indulgent to soak up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins and topping each with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar and a swirl of ranch dressing. Presentation can make the meal feel extra special for gatherings, and it’s a fantastic way to customize portions for picky eaters or add festive flair to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and deepen with time, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so without the ranch or blue cheese dressing, which can separate upon thawing. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy once again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that perfect texture and prevent the cheese from clumping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great because of its shape, rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli would all be delicious, as they hold the sauce well. Just adjust cooking times to ensure al dente perfection.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. Using a milder sauce will tone down the spice, while a hotter variety will amp it up. You can always add more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Replacing chicken with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu cubes works nicely in this recipe if you want to keep it vegetarian, while still enjoying the creamy, spicy buffalo flavor.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates the perfect balance of melty creaminess and sharpness. However, you could experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or gouda for a smokier note.

Is the ranch or blue cheese dressing necessary?

It’s completely optional but highly recommended! The cool dressing helps balance the spicy sauce and adds an additional layer of flavor and creaminess that makes the dish feel more authentic.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves vibrant flavors wrapped in creamy comfort. It’s straightforward to make, crowd-pleasing, and wonderfully flexible to customize. I encourage you to try it out for your next dinner and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dish gets everyone excited about pasta night!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 47 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish that brings the bold flavors of buffalo wings to a comforting pasta dinner. Made with tender shredded chicken, a rich buffalo cream cheese sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, this meal is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that serves the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound penne pasta

Sauce

1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Chicken and Cheese

1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Topping

¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer this mixture while stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season: Add garlic powder and kosher salt to the sauce. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are well incorporated into the sauce.
Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the buffalo cream sauce.
Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring until the cheeses melt into the sauce and create a luscious, creamy texture.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta immediately, topping each serving with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired for a cool, tangy contrast.

Notes

Use cooked chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
For a gluten-free variation, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding a side of celery sticks complements the buffalo flavor and adds a refreshing crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American