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
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
