Buffalo Chicken Pasta

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Deliciously creamy and wonderfully rich, this quick and easy recipe is an absolute dream! You'll be in heaven with just one mouthful, and the spicy kick gives it that little extra something.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta served on a white plate.

So, are you ready to learn a new recipe that's destined to become one of your favorites? Let's get cooking!

Why you'll love this buffalo chicken pasta recipe

It combines the spicy goodness and bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings and buffalo chicken dip with classic Italian pasta, mixed up and made in one pot for an easy, stress-free recipe.
Buffalo chicken pasta is a family favorite, one that you'll go back to again and again.
This easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights and can be prepped ahead of time.
Creamy Buffalo chicken pasta can be customized to suit different spice levels for family preferences.
This quick and easy pasta dinner is the ultimate comfort food!

Equipment needed

Saucepan – invest in a quality stainless steel saucepan to get the best out of this pasta recipe.
Pasta dishes – a quality recipe deserves to be served up in style. If you haven't already got some high-quality, ceramic pasta dishes, now's the time to get some
Pasta serving set – another kitchen accessory that few home cooks have, yet is essential if you're a fan of homemade pasta.

How to make buffalo chicken pasta

Ingredients for making buffalo chicken pasta on a table.

You need cooked, shredded chicken, pasta, hot sauce, ranch sauce, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning, cream cheese, butter, broth, cream and lot of cheese.

Boil the pasta according to package instructions.

Melt the butter and add the hot sauce along with the garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce.

Melt the block of cream cheese into the sauce and stir.

Add the cream and stir.

Stir in the shredded chicken.

Tip in the grated cheeses.

Gently melt over a medium heat.

Add the cooked pasta.

Stir well until the pasta is abundantly covered with the sauce. Looks at the cheesy strings!

Top with sliced scallions and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe tips

Shredding cheese from a block is better to get that smooth, cheesy pasta compared to pre-shredded cheese, which can cause clumps.
To prevent overcooking, the pasta should be cooked to al dente, which is usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.
Using quality buffalo sauce, like Frank's Buffalo sauce or Frank's hot sauce, significantly influences the dish, adding an extra spicy flavor.
Replace double cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Add reserved pasta water to make the sauce creamier.

What I serve with buffalo chicken pasta

Buffalo chicken pasta can be served with a side salad or celery sticks for a balanced meal.
Adding blue cheese crumbles as a garnish provides a classic buffalo flavor pairing.
Bake some garlic bread and serve it along with this dish for a big, indulgent feast!
Serve it with a classic Caesar salad for a hearty lunch.
Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also make an ideal pairing.

Popular variations

Make this a buffalo chicken pasta bake. Simply transfer the mixed pasta to a dish, top with cheese and bake at 350°F–375°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Buffalo chicken pasta is customizable, allowing adjustments to spice levels and ingredient choices based on personal preference.
Add more Buffalo sauce if you love the zing!

Substitutions

You can substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing in buffalo chicken pasta.
Use Buffalo wing sauce in place of Frank's hot sauce for a milder flavor.

What kind of pasta is best for buffalo chicken?

Buffalo chicken pasta can be made with any kind of pasta. I recommended using penne, rotini, shells, or cavatappi.

How long does buffalo chicken pasta take to make?

Buffalo chicken pasta can be prepared quickly in less than 30 minutes in total. Prep time for buffalo chicken pasta is around 10 minutes and the cook time is about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy midweek meal.

Can you turn this dish into a pasta bake?

Yes. Although this is just a straight forward pasta recipe, you can bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, enhancing its flavor and texture.

What kind of chicken should I use in Buffalo chicken pasta?

You can use fresh skinless chicken breast, skinless chicken thighs, rotisserie, or leftover chicken for buffalo chicken pasta. Shredded chicken is always best.

Do I cook chicken before putting it in a pasta bake?

If you want to make a buffalo chicken casserole dish, use cooked chicken as this recipe calls for.

Is Buffalo sauce just hot sauce and mayonnaise?

Not. Buffalo sauce is a mixture of hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar and various seasonings.

What kind of cream is good for creamy chicken pasta?

Heavy cream is optional. For cream cheese, go for the full fat variety.

What cheese pairs well with buffalo chicken?

You can use shredded mozzarella cheese or sharp cheddar cheese, or something like Monterey Jack, pepper Jack in cheesy buffalo chicken pasta.

Can you make Buffalo chicken pasta ahead of time?

Buffalo chicken recipes like this buffalo chicken pasta can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.

How do you store Buffalo chicken pasta leftovers?

Leftover buffalo chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze buffalo chicken pasta for 2-3 months. Store in a freezable, airtight container.

More pasta recipes

Has this dish got you in the mood to make more delicious pasta recipes? Here are just a few of my personal favorites:

Marry me chicken pasta – a one pot wonder that will sweep your loved one off their feet. Juicy chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and bold flavors make this one a winner.
Cauliflower cheese pasta – a comfort food classic, this recipe is quick, vegetarian and super simple to whip up.
Blue cheese pasta – featuring spinach, mushrooms and walnuts, this cheesy pasta recipe is the perfect recipe for those who want a twist on a traditional pasta.
Sausage pasta bake – a rich, hearty tray bake that uses Mediterranean ingredients and take 40 minutes from start till finish.
Cajun chicken pasta – fabulous cajun flavors elevate this chicken pasta to a whole new level.
Bolognese pasta bake – another incredible one tray pasta bake, this one is infused with all the finest flavors of Italy, served up in double quick time.

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