I’m tired, and my fridge is looking… well, sad. Why are takeout menus calling your name? What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta? Is it like mac and cheese and buffalo wings had a delicious, easy baby? If you’re anything like me, you love a good comfort food mashup, and this one is one of them. I swear, it tastes like you spent hours slaving over the stove, but in reality? Thirty minutes, tops. And the flavor? Oh My. Goodness. The creamy, cheesy sauce with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce and tender chicken… Is it pure heaven?
What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
What is the ultimate comfort food collision? What is essentially a creamy, cheesy pasta dish amped up with the bold flavor of buffalo wing sauce? What are the best ways to cook chicken? What are some of the best comfort food recipes? What do you love about buffalo wings? I usually use rotini because those little spirals grab all the sauce, but honestly, any pasta shape can be made. Think of it as your blank canvas for buffalo-y goodness!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I know there are a million pasta recipes out there, but I don’t know what they are. What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta? What I love about this is that it’s ready in minutes and bursting with flavor!
- Flavor:What is creamy, cheesy, spicy and savory? What do you like about buffalo sauce? What is the best balance of it all I could eat this every day. Honestly, I hate it.
- Simplicity:What is a one-pot wonder? I’ve streamlined the process so even a beginner cooks can nail it.
- Cost-Chicken is relatively inexpensive, pasta is cheap, and you probably have most of the other things. What are some ingredients already in your pantry? This makes it perfect for feeding a family on budget.
- Versatility:What’s the best way to use buffalo sauce? How can I blow my head off with cayenne pepper? What are some ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? What are the endless possibilities?
My family begs me to make this weekly and honestly, I don’t mind! Is this recipe similar to a Cajun pasta recipe my mom used to make?
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Quick Overview
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. How do you make a creamy cheese sauce infused with buffalo wings? Add cooked chicken, toss it all together and bam! Dinner is served. What is the best buffalo Sauce Recipe?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound rotini pasta (or any pasta shape you like): Cook for 5 minutes.
- 8 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt is enough to make
For the buffalo chicken: What is the best recipe for
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 tablespoon salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1 teaspoon garlic powder .
- How much black pepper is in a cup?
What is Creamy Buffalo Sauce?
- How many tablespoons butter should I use
- What is all-purpose flour?
- 3 cups milk (I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too.) I tried it with almond milk and it was surprisingly good!
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 tsp.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
What is the best way to cook pasta? Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t overcook pasta! Slightly undercooked is better because it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside. Make sure the chicken is cooked through, but don’t overcook it, or it will be dry!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Set aside. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a thick roux, which will thicken the sauce. Don’t let the hot sauce burn! Keep stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream Cheese
Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Make sure the cream cheese is softened, or it won’t melt properly and you’ll end up with lumps.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Buffalo Sauce
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Serve immediately. Stir in 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Serve immediately. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I always add buffalo sauce to my pizza. I like it spicy!
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy buffalo sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the pasta and chicken are coated in the delicious sauce!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings such as blue cheese crumbles, chopped onions, and arugula. Green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing. What are some good blue cheese crumbles?
What should I serve it with?
What is the best Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe? What are some good ideas?
What is a side salad?What’s a good salad with blue cheese and ranch dressing? What is the best lettuce to eat?
With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Toasted garlic bread would be amazing too!
Veggies: Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts are great options for adding some healthy greens to your meal.
As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer for game day or a party. Everyone will love it!
I remember one time I brought this to a potluck, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone was asking for the recipe.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Okay, so I’ve made this Buffalo Chicken Pasta approximately a million times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s my insider knowledge to help you make the best version possible:
Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into uniformly sized pieces so they cook evenly. You can also use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, to save time.
Cheese Choice: Use a good quality cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and melting. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Milk Matters: Whole milk creates the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk or even almond milk can be used as a substitute. Just be aware that the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor and heat. Seriously, experimenting with spices can make this dish your own!
I actually messed up the roux once and it got all lumpy. I had to strain the sauce through a sieve to get it smooth again! Learn from my mistakes!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store it as soon as it cools down to prevent bacteria growth.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you add toppings like blue cheese crumbles or green onions, it’s best to add them fresh when serving, rather than storing them with the pasta.
I’ve found that adding a little extra milk when reheating helps to keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for creamy, dreamy, and seriously addictive Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This recipe is more than just a quick dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! If you’re looking for something that’s both comforting and exciting, this is the dish for you. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes, like my Creamy Tomato Pasta or my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Happy cooking (and eating)! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I’d love to see your variations, so be sure to share a photo on social media and tag me!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast cooked and shredded
- 1 lb Pasta penne or rotini
- 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 0.5 cup Cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, combine buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and milk. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately.
