If you love bold flavors that pack a punch and creamy comfort all in one, then you are going to adore this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender shredded chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, melted velvety cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is addictive. Whether you’re looking for an exciting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser to impress friends, this recipe delivers on every level with layers of spicy, tangy, and cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simplicity itself but come together to create a rich and flavorful pasta dish that’s loaded with texture and that unmistakable buffalo kick. Each element plays an essential role—from the creamy cheeses and sharp blue cheese dressing to the fresh vegetables that brighten up the sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a tender base for shredding.
- Blue cheese dressing: Adds creamy tanginess that pairs perfectly with spicy buffalo flavors.
- Butter: Used in steps for cooking veggies and finishing sauce with silky richness.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when softened.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh aromatic contrast.
- Garlic: Infuses that irresistible warm, pungent note.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Give a juicy acidity and color to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta and turns into a savory base.
- Penne pasta: The perfect sturdy shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Buffalo sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick the dish is known for.
- Cream cheese (softened and cubed): Melts beautifully into a luscious sauce base.
- Cheddar (shredded): Adds sharpness and a melty texture.
- Mozzarella (shredded): Contributes gooey, stretchy creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat if you dare.
- Cold butter (optional): Swirled in at the end to create a smooth, glossy finish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Gently Boil and Shred the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breast in a pot of water and bringing it to a gentle boil—this careful heat prevents tough meat. Cook for 15 minutes or until fully cooked through, then remove and shred with two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with the blue cheese dressing to infuse it with creamy, tangy character that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly. Pro tip: Drop in a chicken bouillon cube to the boiling water beforehand for an extra depth of flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Build the Sauce
In a large, high-sided skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, which will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce Base
Next, add the undrained diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth to the skillet, bringing everything to a lively boil. Submerge the penne pasta fully into this flavorful liquid and let it bubble away uncovered for about 10 to 13 minutes. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking and check the pasta’s texture periodically. You want it perfectly al dente because it will continue absorbing sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheeses and Buffalo Sauce
Once the pasta is just right, turn the heat to low and add the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and both shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Gently fold everything together—the cream cheese might look lumpy at first but will soon melt and transform the sauce into a velvety dream. Patience is key here as the sauce thickens the longer it sits over gentle heat.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Optional Flare
Stir the shredded buffalo chicken into the cheesy pasta sauce along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to turn up the heat. For a luxurious chef’s touch, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter as the final step; this technique, known as Monter au Beurre, creates a beautifully glossy and smooth finish to the sauce, making it even more irresistible.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds vibrant color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, crumbling a bit more on top intensifies that punchy flavor. For the ultimate experience, add a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for an elegant finish and some heat lovers will appreciate a dash of hot sauce or a few additional red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This buffalo chicken pasta stands strong as a hearty main, but pairing it with crunchy celery sticks or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette creates a wonderful contrast. A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or cauliflower, soaks up the luscious sauce while keeping the meal balanced and colorful. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this dish extra special by serving it in individual cast iron skillets or colorful bowls for an inviting presentation. For a fun twist at gatherings, offer the components separately as a “buffalo chicken pasta bar” where guests can spoon portions of pasta, chicken, and sauce, then customize with their favorite toppings and garnishes. You can even bake the pasta with an extra layer of mozzarella on top until bubbly and golden for a baked buffalo chicken pasta casserole version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo chicken pasta refrigerates beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably even better. Simply give it a good stir before chilling so the sauce stays creamy and evenly distributed.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta might soften slightly on thawing but the savory buffalo-cheese flavors remain wonderfully intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back creaminess if it thickens too much. Microwaving works in a pinch; just be sure to stir every minute or so to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling my own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just shred the cooked meat and toss it with the blue cheese dressing. This can save you time without sacrificing the bold flavors that make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe so fantastic.
Is blue cheese dressing necessary or can I substitute it?
Blue cheese dressing adds that classic tangy twist that pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce, but ranch dressing is a fine substitute if you prefer a milder flavor. Either will keep the shredded chicken moist and flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce and optional red pepper flakes you use. It usually has a nice medium kick that’s balanced by the cream cheese and cheddar. You can always dial up or down the spice to suit your taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check the buffalo sauce brand to ensure it’s gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same and is just as delicious.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
Using a mix of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella provides the perfect blend of creamy texture, sharp flavor, and melty stretchiness that defines this dish. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses if you can—they tend to have additives that prevent melting smoothly.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite comfort food meals because it strikes the perfect balance between spicy, creamy, and comforting in every mouthwatering bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it—so go ahead and dive in. Your next delicious dinner awaits!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish combining tender shredded chicken tossed in blue cheese dressing with spicy buffalo sauce and a cheesy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Cooked al dente with onions, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, this skillet pasta is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for a crowd or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Dressing
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb.)
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (can substitute ranch)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fats and Extras
- 2 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons cold butter (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Set Cheese Out Ahead: Remove the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese from the refrigerator and allow them to come to near room temperature for easier melting.
- Boil and Shred Chicken: Place the chicken breast in a pot filled with water and bring to a gentle boil, which helps prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Cook the chicken for 15 minutes or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it finely using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with the blue cheese dressing and set aside for later use.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large high-walled skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add the penne pasta and push it down into the liquid to submerge fully. Bring everything back to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 10 to 13 minutes, or until it reaches al dente texture as per the pasta package instructions. Avoid overcooking since the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce. Occasionally lift the lid and stir gently underneath the pasta with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking. Test a noodle to confirm readiness before moving to the next step.
- Add Cheese and Buffalo Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese gently with a silicone spatula. The sauce will initially be thin but will thicken as it stands and cooks further.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spices: Add the shredded buffalo chicken and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Finish with Butter (Optional): When the sauce is near the desired consistency, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter. This finishing technique, called “Monter au Beurre,” enriches the sauce and gives it a smooth, glossy texture.
Notes
- Using blue cheese dressing adds an authentic tangy flavor, but ranch dressing can be substituted for a milder taste.
- A gentle boil for cooking chicken ensures tenderness rather than toughness.
- Adding chicken bouillon cubes to the boiling water for chicken adds depth of flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente so it retains some firmness after simmering in the sauce.
- The optional cold butter helps create a luscious finish but can be omitted if desired.
- Red pepper flakes add extra heat but are optional depending on your spice preference.
