How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Irresistibly Easy

There’s nothing quite like the sound of bubbling pasta and that spicy, buttery aroma filling the kitchen. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken and zesty buffalo sauce for a dish that’s loved by families everywhereperfect for cozy weeknight dinners or cozy get-togethers!

Imagine creamy, dreamy pasta tossed with shredded chicken and a kick of ranch flavor. It’s like your favorite spicy wings in pasta form, but ready in just 30 minutes. This dish uses simple pantry staples, so you can whip it up on a busy night without a fuss.

I started making this dish during the chilly autumn evenings of 2018, when my kids were craving something new. The first time we had it, my oldest declared it “an instant classic” while going back for seconds! I discovered that adding a splash of pasta water at the end makes the sauce perfectly creamy. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your weeknight rotation.

Yesica Andrews

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Easy Delicious Recipe to Try

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a spicy creamy dish popular on Pinterest in the USA, blending buffalo sauce, chicken, and pasta for easy weeknight meals. This one pot recipe combines tender shredded chicken tossed in blue cheese dressing with a cheesy buffalo cream sauce and penne, perfect for a comforting main course that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 758

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast equal to 1 lb.
• ½ cup blue cheese dressing can sub ranch
• 2 Tablespoons butter divided
• ½ cup yellow onion diced
• 1 stick celery diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes undrained, (1 can)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb. penne
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 oz. cream cheese softened and cubed
• 1.5 cups cheddar shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella shredded
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons cold butter optional

Method

 

1. Set out the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese to soften to room temperature before starting.
2. Place the chicken breast in a pot filled with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it finely. Toss the shredded chicken with the blue cheese dressing and keep aside.
4. In a large deep skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking them until they soften, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add the penne pasta to the boiling liquid, pressing it down to submerge completely. Wait for it to return to a boil.
7. Cover the skillet, reduce heat slightly, and let the pasta cook for 10 to 13 minutes until it is just al dente. Stir gently under the lid several times during cooking to prevent sticking and test pasta doneness before moving on.
8. Turn the heat down to low and stir in the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and both shredded cheeses gently until the sauce starts to become creamy, noting it will thicken further as it stands.
9. Mix in the shredded chicken and add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
10. Optional: When the sauce is nearly as thick as you like, stir in the cold butter to finish the sauce with a glossy, smooth texture using the monter au beurre technique.

Notes

• For saucier pasta, use a little less than a pound of penne; it will take longer to thicken but will hold sauce well for leftovers. Always make sure cream cheese is fully softened before adding to help it melt smoothly. Gently simmer the chicken to keep it tender. Using cheese grated fresh from a block will melt better and taste richer than pre-shredded cheese. Add cheese to sauce over low heat to avoid graininess. Substitute ranch for blue cheese dressing if preferred. While 4 cups of chicken broth is recommended, you may mix 2.5 cups broth with 1.5 cups water if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses for a comforting and flavorful dish that even picky eaters will love.
• It’s a quick weeknight meal, ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy families.
• This one-pot wonder minimizes dishwashing while maximizing cozy dinner vibes!
• Easily adjustable for leftovers, you can customize it anytime by adding extra veggies or proteins.

Key Ingredients and Tools

• Chicken: Use a large boneless skinless chicken breast, fresh or rotisserie, for tender pieces soaked in blue cheese dressing.
• Cheese: Cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella create a creamy sauce that binds everything together.
• Pasta: Penne is a perfect choice, but any pasta you like will work just fine.
• Tools: A large skillet and a pot for boiling are all you needkeep it simple!

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. Begin by gently boiling your chicken until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Shred it using two forks and toss it with blue cheese dressing.
2. In a high-walled skillet, melt butter, then sauté onions, celery, and garlic for a fragrant base.
3. Add undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Once boiling, stir in the penne and cook until al dente, roughly 10-13 minutes.
4. Bring down the heat, and stir in buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and the shredded cheeses until smooth.
5. Finally, mix in the shredded chicken and any optional red pepper flakes for that extra kick!

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

• If the sauce seems too thin, give it a bit more time over low heat to thicken or add some reserved pasta water.
• Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, consider gently boiling the chicken with a couple of bouillon cubes.
• Make sure your cheeses are at room temperature for the best melting results to avoid any grainy textures.

Tweaks and Variations

• For a lighter version, swap blue cheese dressing for ranch.
• Looking for extra nutrition? Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach before serving.
• If you love a creamy sauce, use a little less pasta for more sauce to enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• This dish is perfect for cozy dinners at home, but it’s also a hit for potlucks and family gatherings!
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Expert Says

A well-balanced Buffalo Chicken Pasta packs a punch of flavor while providing a good source of protein and carbs. The combination of lean chicken and whole-grain pasta can aid in muscle recovery and sustained energy, making this dish a satisfying option for both dinner and post-workout meals.

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The Long Search for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Perfection

After several attempts at creating Buffalo Chicken Pasta, I finally nailed it. I learned the importance of balancing spice and creaminess through some hilariously fiery mishaps and a few too many kitchen experiments. Now, this dish brings warmth and flavor to my family table, perfectly reflecting our love for cozy dinners together.

FAQs ( Buffalo Chicken Pasta )

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings cozy feelings to your kitchen in just 35 minutes. The creamy, zesty sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible aroma that fills your home with warmth. You’ll absolutely love how it turns out!

For a twist, try adding some sautéed bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Or swap in ranch dressing if you’re not a fan of blue cheese. A little storage tip: just pop leftovers in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, heat with a splash of broth for that creamy goodness. It’s a trick I picked up from my aunt!

I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this dish! Did you grow up with something like this? Share your photos or memories with me, and don’t forget to save or pass on this recipe to someone special. Happy cooking, friendshere’s to many more cozy meals!