Description
“Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish packed with creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal effort. Customize the spice level and enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal!”
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp green onions (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, add cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Add Buffalo Flavor – Stir in the buffalo sauce and ranch (or blue cheese dressing) until fully combined.
- Combine Everything – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, stirring until melted and incorporated.
- Garnish and Serve – Top with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: Use less buffalo sauce for mild heat or add extra for more spice.
- Substitutions: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or ground turkey. Use dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-free version.
- Baking Option: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for a baked version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta Recipe, Easy Chicken Pasta, Creamy Buffalo Pasta, Quick Dinner Recipes