Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s something truly special about the bold, tangy flavor of buffalo sauce paired with tender chicken and creamy pasta. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is comfort food with a kick – a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory. The whole family will love this dish, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe while craving buffalo wings but wanting something more filling. It quickly became a household favorite, combining all the flavors we love in one satisfying meal. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Get ready to meet your new favorite pasta dish! Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the best of both worlds – the fiery heat of buffalo wings and the creamy, cheesy goodness of a pasta bake.

First, this recipe is a time-saver. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy nights when you need dinner fast. The simple ingredients mean no extra trips to the store, and it’s easy enough to whip up even on hectic evenings.

It’s a one-pan wonder, too! With minimal cleanup required, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes. Perfect for busy families or anyone who dreads post-dinner cleanup.

Finally, this dish is endlessly adaptable. Whether you like it mild or extra spicy, you can tweak the buffalo sauce to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or sneak some extra veggies into your dinner.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in its combination of bold flavors and creamy textures. Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this dish shine.

Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the show, bringing that signature heat and tang. Use your favorite brand, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. You could also use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time.

Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal. Their ridges catch the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Gluten-free pasta works just as well if needed.

Cream Cheese and Ranch Dressing: These add creaminess and balance to the spicy buffalo sauce. The cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a velvety texture, while the ranch dressing adds a tangy, herby note.

Cheese: A generous handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella takes this dish to the next level. The melted cheese creates that irresistible gooey finish everyone loves.

You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for cooking the pasta. If you’re planning to bake the dish, a casserole dish will come in handy, too.

How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creating this bold and comforting dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook it just shy of al dente – it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook your chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and a splash of pasta water. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add the ranch dressing and mix until combined. Adjust the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Add the drained pasta and stir everything together. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes until the cheese melts, or transfer the pasta to a casserole dish and broil it briefly for a bubbly, golden finish.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option for any night of the week.

Storage Options

Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

To refrigerate, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. They’ll soak up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
• Add extra veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Switch up the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked ground turkey, or even shrimp for a different twist.
• Experiment with cheese: Try blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar for a more authentic buffalo wing flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for those who love a fiery kick.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a canvas for creativity – feel free to tweak it until it’s perfect for your tastes. Have fun experimenting!

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