Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne (rotini, or shell pasta); Salt (for boiling water); 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breast, diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup cream cheese (softened); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional: crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle; Optional: chopped green onions or parsley

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Imagine tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce rich with the bold, spicy punch of classic Buffalo flavor. This dish combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the excitement of Buffalo wing sauce, creating an irresistible meal that satisfies both your hearty and spicy cravings.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful crowd-pleaser, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta brings together familiar ingredients in an unexpected way, delivering warmth, zest, and indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy sauce with spicy Buffalo wing heat that excites the palate.
Quick and easy to prepare with pantry staples and simple ingredients.
Versatile for customizing heat level and toppings to suit personal tastes.

Ingredients

Pasta (12 oz/340 g): Choose penne, rotini, or shells for excellent sauce absorption and ideal bite-sized texture.
Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water to enhance flavor from within the pasta.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb/450 g): Diced into tender pieces that cook quickly and soak up Buffalo flavors well.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking while cooking chicken.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to the chicken seasoning.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a savory, aromatic flavor that complements Buffalo sauce perfectly.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
Buffalo wing sauce (½ cup): The star ingredient providing tangy, spicy Buffalo flavor that defines the dish.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the Buffalo sauce creating a rich, silky base.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Produces a luscious, smooth sauce that balances heat with creaminess.
Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Adds tang and thickness for a decadent sauce texture.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings sharpness and cheesiness for full-bodied flavor.
Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Offers gooey stretchiness and mild creaminess that pairs well with cheddar.
Optional toppings: Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for a cooling contrast, plus chopped green onions or parsley for fresh brightness.

Instructions

Cook the pasta to al dente perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the pasta until al dente ensures it retains a slight bite and won’t become mushy when mixed with the rich sauce later. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
Season and cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the diced chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to build a flavorful base. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through, then remove from the skillet to retain juiciness.
Create the Buffalo sauce base: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, allowing the fond (brown bits) left by the chicken to add flavor. Stir in Buffalo wing sauce and gently heat until combined, infusing the sauce with buttery richness and tangy spice.
Construct the creamy cheese sauce: Lower the heat to avoid curdling and whisk in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and velvety. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring to melt completely and form a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
Combine chicken and pasta in the sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure each piece of pasta and chicken is evenly coated with the creamy Buffalo cheese sauce.
Serve with your favorite toppings: Dish out the Buffalo Chicken Pasta while hot, topping with extra Buffalo sauce if desired, crumbled blue cheese or a ranch drizzle for contrast, and fresh chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and texture.

You Must Know

You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Buffalo wing sauce depending on your tolerance for spice.
If your sauce is too thick, adding reserved pasta water gradually helps loosen it while maintaining creaminess.
For added texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy bacon on top before serving.
Transform this skillet dish into a casserole by baking at 190 °C (375 °F) for 15–20 minutes with extra cheese melted on top.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Serve alongside soft dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Professional Tips

For juicier chicken, marinate diced chicken briefly in a mixture of olive oil and spices beforehand.
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and a smoother sauce.
Keep cream cheese at room temperature to ensure it blends easily into the sauce without lumps.
Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?: Yes, short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work best since they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with any favorite shape.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?: Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Buffalo sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta?: The spiciness depends on the Buffalo wing sauce you choose. Mild versions offer just a tangy flavor, while hot or extra-hot sauces turn up the heat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?: You can cook the components ahead, store separately, and combine on the day of serving to maintain texture and freshness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?: For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
How do I make this recipe vegan?: Replace chicken with plant-based protein, use vegan cheese alternatives, and swap heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream for a delicious vegan version.