This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution if you have been looking for an easy weeknight dinner that has loads of flavor. Made with juicy pieces of chicken and a creamy buffalo sauce, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
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If you love buffalo wings, then you are going to adore this buffalo chicken pasta! This recipe is a simple, but satisfying meal that is filled with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just looking for a new quick meal dinner idea, this buffalo chicken pasta is sure to please.
If you’re looking for more Buffalo Chicken recipes, try these Buffalo Chicken Puffs, Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, and Buffalo Chicken Empanadas.
Why We Love This Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe
This spicy chicken pasta is an easy meal you’ll love to make and that is sure to become a family favorite. This dish brings together the classic flavors of buffalo chicken and creamy pasta, creating a perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
- 30-Minute Meal: This spicy chicken pasta can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Easy Ingredients: Many ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples and the rest can be easily located at your grocery store. Plus, you can even use leftover chicken to make this dish easier.
- Adaptable: This easy recipe is easy to change up to fit different dietary needs. You can use a gluten-free pasta or substitute tofu or mushrooms for the chicken to make it a meat-free dish with cheesy pasta.
Ingredient Notes for Buffalo Chicken Recipes
- Buffalo Sauce: If you’re not sure what hot sauce to use, our homemade buffalo chicken sauce, this a great option for this recipe.
- Cheese: For the best results, we recommend using shredded cheddar cheese. You could also use a Colby jack cheese or whichever cheese is your favorite.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions for Pasta Chicken Dinner
One of the best things about this buffalo chicken pasta recipe is how versatile it is. There are so many variations you can try to make the dish your own.
- Low-Fat Version: To lower the fat count in this buffalo ranch chicken pasta, you can opt for a low-fat blue cheese dressing and low-fat shredded cheese. You can also use a low-fat cream cheese.
- Cooking variation: For a more hands-off dinner choice, you can make this recipe in a crock pot buffalo chicken pasta, slow cooker, or instant pot buffalo chicken pasta as well.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole
These are the basic steps for making Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe Bake. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions for this easy dinner.
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Cook the pasta you picked according to the package directions. Drain the penne pasta and do not rinse it. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken
Chop your skinless chicken breast into pieces. Season the chopped chicken with salt, pepper, and ranch dressing seasoning. Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add in the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Place chicken on a plate.
Step 3: Make Cream Sauce
Add the chicken broth to the hot skillet and bring it to a simmer. Once the broth is simmering, add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir until cream cheese. Add in the buffalo sauce and milk and continue to cook until the sauce is smooth and consistent throughout.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta to Cream Sauce
Add the chicken and pasta to the cream sauce in the skillet. Stir until the chicken and pasta are completely coated in the cream sauce. Add half of the blue cheese and cheddar cheese and stir. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and green onions on top and let the cheese melt before serving.
Recipe FAQs to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Expert Tips for Making This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Buffalo chicken pasta is the perfect dish for those who love a bit of spice in their meals. It’s quick and easy to make for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you prefer your pasta creamy or with a bit of crunch, there are many variations that can be made to suit your taste preferences.
- Different Pasta: This recipe is great for experimenting with different types of pasta. You can use whichever pasta you prefer such as rigatoni or shells.
- Celery: For some added crunch, you can add in some chopped celery to your buffalo pasta. Chopped celery will also help balance out that spiciness from the hot sauce.
- Spice Level: You can easily make this pasta more or less spicy by the amount of hot sauce you put in. For an extra layer of spicy, you can add a few dashes of red pepper flakes.
- Cheese: Any Mexican blend or shredded mozzarella cheese.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 cups Pasta, uncooked
- 1 ½ tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cups Chicken, chopped
- Salt , to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning
- 4-8 ounce Cream cheese, softened (as desired)
- 1 cup Sour cream
- ½ cup Milk, as desired (optional)
- 1-2 cups Chicken broth, as needed
- ¼ cup Buffalo-style hot sauce
- ½ cup Blue cheese, divided
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese
- 1 Green onion, sliced thin
Instructions
- Follow package directions for preparing the pasta. Drain, but don’t rinse.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper and ranch seasoning.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook chicken for about 6-8 minutes or internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a clean plate as you prepare the cream sauce.
- Pour the chicken broth in the skillet and bring it to a light simmer, then mix in the sour cream and cream cheese until the cream cheese melts.
- Add the buffalo sauce and milk and mix until it is smooth, evenly mixed, and thoroughly consistent.
- Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir to coat fully in the sauce.
- Add half the blue cheese and cheddar cheese and stir to incorporate.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and scallions over the top and allow to melt before removing the dish from the heat.
Expert Tips
- Different Pasta: This recipe is great to experiment with different types of pastas. You can use whichever pasta you prefer such as rigatoni or shells.
- Celery: For some added crunch, you can add in some chopped celery to your buffalo pasta. Chopped celery will also help balance out that spiciness from the hot sauce.
- Spice Level: You can easily make this pasta more or less spicy by the amount of hot sauce you put in. For an extra layer of spicy, you can add a few dashes of red pepper flakes.