If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with creamy indulgence, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, comforting meal that combines tender chicken thighs tossed in a tangy Buffalo sauce with al dente rotini pasta, all brought together by a luscious, creamy sauce that will make every bite irresistibly good. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe brings both warmth and excitement to your dinner table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles to create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. From the spicy hot sauce to the crunchy celery and the richness of the blue cheese, each component elevates this dish into a crowd-pleaser.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully and seasons the pasta water just right.
- 12 oz. rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds the sauce perfectly, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: A light coating for the chicken that helps it brown perfectly and thicken the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil: Provides a balanced cooking fat that keeps the chicken juicy and not greasy.
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for absorbing all those Buffalo flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a subtle heat that complements the Buffalo sauce.
- 2 celery stalks plus leaves: Offers a refreshing crunch and a classic flavor contrast to the spicy sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves: Brings aromatic warmth that rounds out the sauce’s character.
- 1 small white onion: Adds sweetness and balances the heat with a touch of savory depth.
- 4 oz. (1/4 cup) light lager beer: A surprising element that deglazes the pan and adds subtle complexity to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth, tempering the hot sauce and bringing it all together.
- 1/3 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce: The star player that gives the dish its signature spicy kick.
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Provides salty, creamy pops on top that contrast beautifully with the heat.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up that delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, place the flour in a shallow dish for dredging. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper, then lightly coat them in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Add the chicken to the skillet and brown it for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally for even color. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reserve a small portion of thinly sliced celery for garnishing. To the same skillet, add the remaining celery, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then pour in the beer to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful crispy bits stuck to the bottom—this is flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream and Buffalo-style hot sauce, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat everything in the spicy, creamy sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly and ensure the pasta and chicken are heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Give it a final taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if you like things extra fiery.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of garnishes to bring a dish to life! Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top for a deliciously tangy finish. Add some of the reserved thin celery slices and fresh celery leaves for a crisp, fresh contrast that cuts through the richness spectacularly.
Side Dishes
Pair this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe with simple sides that allow the flavors to shine. A green salad with crisp lettuce and a light vinaigrette adds freshness, while some warm garlic bread or roasted vegetables bring complementary textures without overpowering the dish’s bold profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve this dish in individual small cast iron skillets or mason jar layers for a grab-and-go party option. You could also serve it alongside celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side, mimicking classic Buffalo wing accompaniments for extra fun and familiarity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked pasta and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it up gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently until heated through, then enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work well in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, although thighs tend to stay juicier and provide a richer flavor. Just be careful not to overcook breasts so they don’t dry out.
What type of hot sauce is best for this recipe?
Frank’s Red Hot is a classic choice for Buffalo-style dishes and works perfectly here. However, feel free to use your preferred Buffalo-style hot sauce or adjust the quantity to control how spicy you want it.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can make a dairy-free Buffalo Chicken Pasta by substituting the heavy cream with canned coconut milk and omitting the blue cheese. You might also try a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the same creamy consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on chicken, you can replace the meat with hearty vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version. Keep the Buffalo sauce and blue cheese (or a vegan alternative) to retain that signature flavor.
How spicy is this pasta?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by adding more or less Buffalo sauce to suit your tastebuds. The creamy sauce helps balance the spice, making it enjoyable for most people, even those who are normally wary of spicy food.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a lively, comforting dinner that feels both special and easy, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s brimming with bold flavors, has wonderful textures, and comes together in just about 30 minutes. I hope you’ll give it a try and share how it transforms your mealtime into something delightfully memorable!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, rotini pasta, and a rich Buffalo-style sauce made with hot sauce, heavy cream, and a splash of beer. Topped with blue cheese and fresh celery for a classic Buffalo wing flavor in a comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. rotini (spiral) pasta
- Kosher salt, to taste
Chicken and Coating
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fat
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 celery stalks, sliced thin, plus leaves for topping
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 4 oz. (1/4 cup) light lager beer
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot), plus more to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 2 oz.)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Season the cubed chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and brown them, turning occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reserve some of the sliced celery for garnish. Add the remaining celery slices, minced garlic, and diced onion to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the light lager beer into the skillet to deglaze, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits that add flavor.
- Add Cream and Hot Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Buffalo-style hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the spice level with additional hot sauce if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the Buffalo chicken pasta to serving plates. Top with crumbled blue cheese, the reserved sliced celery, and celery leaves for freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs keeps the dish moist and flavorful, but chicken breasts can be used if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Light lager beer adds a subtle depth to the sauce, but you can substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, let the sauce simmer a little longer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks and extra blue cheese dressing for a full Buffalo wing experience.
