Creamy & Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Your Easy 35-Minute Dinner Fix
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this sensational Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe! This dish brings a delightful kick of heat to your table, enveloped in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly spicy sauce. Best of all, this comforting meal can be prepared from start to finish in just around 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss.
Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times. This one-pan wonder delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, perfectly coated in a luscious, tangy, and subtly spicy buffalo sauce, all mixed with your favorite pasta. It’s the ultimate fusion of classic comfort food and bold, zesty flavors, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re a long-time fan of buffalo flavors or just looking for a new exciting pasta dish, this recipe is designed to impress with its simplicity and incredible taste.
Why This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try
Our Buffalo Chicken Pasta isn’t just another dinner; it’s a creamier, more indulgent cousin to our popular buffalo chicken casserole. What makes this recipe an absolute winner? It perfectly balances robust flavors with a surprisingly quick preparation time.
Here’s why this dish stands out:
- Speed & Simplicity: In just about 35 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table. This is largely due to using pre-cooked chicken and a sauce that comes together effortlessly in a single skillet. Less cooking time means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: The magic happens in the sauce – a rich blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan, infused with the iconic tang and heat of buffalo hot sauce. This creates a deeply satisfying, savory, and slightly spicy experience that’s truly addictive.
- Perfectly Balanced Heat: While it boasts a “buffalo” name, this pasta isn’t about setting your mouth on fire. Instead, it offers a welcoming, tingling warmth that complements the creamy base. Even those who are generally cautious with spicy foods will find this level of heat enjoyable and approachable, making it a crowd-pleaser for various palates.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Combining tender chicken pieces and substantial penne pasta, this dish is incredibly filling. It’s the kind of meal that comforts and energizes, making it perfect after a long day or for fueling up before an evening of activities.
- Versatility: It’s a fantastic dish for any occasion. Serve it as a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even as a game-day special that everyone will rave about. Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture make it suitable for casual family meals or entertaining guests.
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious solution for when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Dive into a heaping bowl of this tangy, creamy, and perfectly spiced pasta, and you’ll understand why it’s quickly becoming a new household favorite.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward components that combine to produce a complex and mouth-watering result. Preparing your ingredients in advance will make the cooking process even smoother and faster.
Get all exact measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Breakdown & Expert Substitution Tips
Let’s dive deeper into the core components of this delicious pasta dish and explore some options to tailor it to your pantry and preferences:
- PASTA: For this recipe, we recommend shapes that can hold onto a creamy sauce beautifully. Penne is an excellent choice due to its ridged surface and tubular shape, allowing it to scoop up all the delicious sauce. Other fantastic alternatives include mostaccioli, ziti, or rigatoni. These types of pasta all work well because their robust structure and texture complement the hearty chicken and rich sauce. Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture, ensuring it retains a slight bite once combined with the sauce.
- CHICKEN: You’ll need 2 cups of cooked chicken breasts. This flexibility is what makes the recipe so quick!
- Cook from Scratch: If cooking chicken breasts specifically for this recipe, simply bake or boil about 2 medium-sized chicken breasts until fully cooked, then chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. Seasoning with a little salt and pepper before cooking will enhance the overall flavor.
- Rotisserie Chicken: For ultimate convenience, a precooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is a lifesaver. Simply shred or cube the meat. It’s already seasoned and tender, adding another layer of flavor without extra effort.
- Chicken Thighs: Don’t limit yourself to breast meat! Cooked chicken thigh meat will also work wonderfully, offering a richer flavor and often a more tender, succulent texture. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and chopped.
- SAUCE: The heart of this dish is its creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce.
- Hot Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite brand of hot sauce here. We highly recommend and love using Frank’s Red Hot for its classic, balanced flavor that is quintessential to buffalo dishes. It offers the perfect tang and heat without overpowering the other ingredients. If you prefer a milder or hotter sauce, adjust accordingly.
- Creamy Base: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates an incredibly rich and velvety texture. These ingredients are crucial for achieving the desired creaminess and tempering the heat of the hot sauce. We strongly advise against substituting these dairy components, as they are key to the dish’s signature consistency and flavor.
- Aromatics & Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and freshness, balancing the richness of the dairy. Remember to slightly drain them to avoid excess liquid in your sauce. Sliced onions and minced garlic provide essential aromatic depth, building a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing your aromatics and building the initial flavor base.
Having these ingredients ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, leading to a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta that everyone will love.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. For a quick reference, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering slightly, indicating it’s hot enough. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add ½ cup of sliced onions and continue to cook and stir for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become tender and translucent. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your sauce.
- Build the Creamy Base: Add ½ cup of slightly drained canned diced tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Stir everything together to combine. Then, add 2 ounces of cream cheese. Using the back of your spatula, smash the cream cheese into the mixture as it melts, making it easier to incorporate. Continue stirring until the cream cheese has fully melted and is smoothly integrated into the tomato and onion mixture, forming a rich base.
- Infuse with Cream and Spice: Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Immediately follow with ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of your chosen hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot). Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Continue to cook over medium heat, allowing the cheeses to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating that signature creamy, tangy, and spicy buffalo sauce.
- Combine & Serve: Finally, add 2 cups of your chopped cooked chicken and 8 ounces of cooked al dente pasta (penne, mostaccioli, ziti, or rigatoni work best) to the skillet. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the entire dish is heated through and the pasta has absorbed some of that delicious sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully ensures a perfect, flavorful outcome every time. Enjoy the rich aromas and tantalizing taste!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Here are some common questions and expert advice to help you master this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, a small splash of water or chicken broth can be added to help remoisten the pasta and sauce. You can easily reheat it in a microwave until warmed through, or for a more even heat, reheat it over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
While you can freeze this pasta, the texture of the creamy sauce and pasta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate, and pasta can become softer. For best results, if you plan to freeze, undercook the pasta slightly and consider freezing the sauce and chicken separately, then combining with freshly cooked pasta later. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability! If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the amount of hot sauce and add more to taste. For those who love extra heat, you can increase the hot sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or serve with extra hot sauce on the side. A dash of red pepper flakes during the sautéing of the aromatics can also boost the heat.
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein. Cooked chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even a hearty blend of roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or mushrooms would work wonderfully in this creamy buffalo sauce. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute.
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet with deep sides is ideal for this recipe. This allows for even heat distribution, prevents sticking, and provides enough space to comfortably mix all the ingredients without spillage, especially when adding the pasta and chicken.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure your Buffalo Chicken Pasta is always a resounding success!
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Pasta
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: The ultimate companion to any pasta dish! The crispy texture and savory garlic flavor of warm garlic bread or soft breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Fresh Dinner Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the pasta. Opt for a simple mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, dressed with a light vinaigrette or a cool ranch dressing.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: For an authentic buffalo experience, sprinkle a generous amount of pungent blue cheese crumbles over each serving. The strong, salty flavor of blue cheese pairs exceptionally well with the tangy hot sauce.
- Sliced Chives or Green Onions: A garnish of freshly sliced chives or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a delicate oniony freshness that brightens the dish.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Offer small bowls of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping bread or drizzling over the pasta for those who enjoy an extra layer of cooling flavor.
- Celery Sticks: Continuing the buffalo wing theme, serve fresh, crunchy celery sticks alongside. They offer a refreshing bite and a classic pairing.
Enjoy your warm Buffalo Chicken Pasta masterpiece with these complementary sides, transforming it into a truly memorable meal!
Explore More Irresistible Pasta Recipes
If you loved this Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other crowd-pleasing pasta and casserole dishes. Each one is crafted to deliver maximum flavor with accessible ingredients and straightforward instructions:
- Cajun Chicken Pasta: A vibrant, spicy, and creamy pasta dish bursting with New Orleans flavors.
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: The baked, cheesy inspiration behind this pasta dish, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: An ultimate comfort food combining three beloved flavors in one hearty bake.
- Penne with Tomato Sage Sausage Sauce: A rustic and aromatic pasta dish featuring savory sausage and herbs.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: The cheesy, spicy combination you never knew you needed in a classic mac and cheese format.
Happy cooking, and we hope you find many new favorites among these delicious selections!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta cooked al dente
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup sliced onions
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes slightly drained, see notes below
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup hot sauce such as Frank’s red hot
Things You’ll Need
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Large heavy bottomed skillet with deep sides
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Rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- We didn’t drain the tomatoes completely, but did drain off excess liquid before adding them to the skillet.
- For the pasta, penne, mostaccioli, ziti, or rigatoni all work well in this recipe due to their ability to hold the creamy sauce.
- You will need 2 cups of cooked chicken breasts. For convenience, you can cook about 2 chicken breasts ahead of time, or cube a precooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Chicken thigh meat will also work for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to use your favorite brand of hot sauce here to control the spice level; we particularly enjoy using Frank’s Red Hot for its classic buffalo flavor.
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and stir, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add in sliced onion and cook/stir for another 2-3 minutes or until the onion is tender and translucent.
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Add the slightly drained diced tomatoes and stir together. Then, add the cream cheese and use the back of a spatula to smash and stir it into the mixture until it’s fully melted and well combined.
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Pour in the heavy whipping cream, both shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, and the hot sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to combine and allow the cheeses to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Add in the chopped cooked chicken and the cooked al dente pasta. Stir everything together gently, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the creamy buffalo sauce. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the entire dish is heated through and ready to serve.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water to help remoisten the pasta and sauce. You can also reheat it over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring often.
- For added flavor and texture, consider garnishing with fresh blue cheese crumbles or thinly sliced green onions just before serving.
- To ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente, always follow the package directions and taste it before draining. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken and pasta. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.