Get ready to delight your taste buds with Buffalo Chicken Pasta! This dish combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender pasta, making it a quick, satisfying meal for busy days or a cozy dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare, ensuring you can whip it up without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 550
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Why Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you fueled throughout the day. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it incredibly satisfying. Plus, it allows for endless variations, so you can tailor it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs. From a spicy kick to a creamy finish, this dish is versatile enough to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Step by Step
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup hot buffalo sauce
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions; once cooked, drain it thoroughly. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the buffalo sauce and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until smooth. Incorporate the ranch or blue cheese dressing and mix well. Next, fold in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well-coated. Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread. You might also enjoy serving it with a cool ranch dressing on the side for dipping. For a twist, add some steamed broccoli or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To store your leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3–4 days. When reheating, add a dash of milk or cream to keep it creamy and avoid drying out. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the pasta. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Cooking Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your desired spice level.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
Delicious Variations of Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- For a spicy twist, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Incorporate citrus by mixing in lime or lemon juice for a refreshing zing.
- Try a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that you’ll want to make again and again. With its creamy texture and zesty kick, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Give it a try today, and enjoy the delightful flavors and the ease of preparation!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup hot buffalo sauce
- 1 block (8 oz) 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon butter
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken and Garnish
- 2 cups 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; once cooked, drain it thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the buffalo sauce and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until smooth.
- Incorporate the ranch or blue cheese dressing and mix well.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Baking Option
- For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
