Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pasta in Just 30 Minutes

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Author: Rachel Evans
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Okay, friends, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Buffalo Chicken Pasta! Seriously, if you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and ridiculously easy, this is it. I mean, who doesn’t love the flavor explosion of buffalo wings, but sometimes you just want something… more, ya know? That’s where this Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes in. It’s got that amazing buffalo kick, tempered by a super creamy sauce, and it all clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Trust me, even picky eaters will be begging for seconds. I’ve been making this for years and tweaked it until it’s *just* right – so you know it’s good!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! This isn’t just another pasta dish, it’s a flavor BOMB. Here’s why it’ll become your new go-to:

  • Super quick to whip up – perfect for those crazy weeknights!
  • Easy cleanup? YES, please! One pan wonder, baby!
  • Crowd-pleasing flavor that everyone will devour.
  • Spice it your way! Control the heat with the amount of buffalo sauce.

Quick and Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Dinner

Seriously, from fridge to table in like, 30 minutes? Yes! This is the *perfect* weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.

Customizable Buffalo Chicken Pasta Spice Level

Not a fan of super-spicy? No problem! Just dial back the buffalo sauce. Want to breathe fire? Crank it up! It’s totally up to you!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta magic happen. Don’t worry if you’re missing something, I’ll give you some swap-out options below!

Pasta

I usually go for 1 pound of penne pasta – it grabs the sauce perfectly! But rotini or even bowties work great too. Use whatever you have!

Chicken

You’ll want 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken breast. My fave shortcut? A rotisserie chicken from the store. So easy!

Sauce Components

Here’s where the FLAVOR is! Grab 1 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce, 1 cup of heavy cream (don’t skimp!), ½ cup of blue cheese dressing (yes, the bottled stuff is fine!), and ¼ cup of blue cheese crumbles. Yum!

Flavor Enhancers

Don’t forget the basics! You’ll need 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic (or garlic from a jar – I won’t judge!), salt, and pepper to taste. These really make the Buffalo Chicken Pasta sing!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is seriously easy, I promise. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!

Cooking the Pasta for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

First things first, get your pasta going! Cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. And hey, pro tip: save about a cup of that pasta water before you drain it. You might need it later!

Making the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Sauce

While the pasta’s doing its thing, let’s make that amazing sauce! Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until it’s nice and fragrant – careful not to burn it! Now, pour in the buffalo wing sauce, heavy cream, and blue cheese dressing. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened up just a bit. Mmm, smells SO good!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta - detail 1

Combining Chicken, Sauce, and Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Alright, time to bring it all together! Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and give it a good stir to coat it all in that buffalo goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy! Now, drain the pasta and add it right to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss, toss, toss until everything is evenly coated.

Serving the Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Dinner’s ready! Serve that Buffalo Chicken Pasta up immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. Want to get fancy? Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Pasta from good to AMAZING? I’ve got you covered! Here are my top tips for pasta perfection:

Don’t Overcook the Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Seriously, nobody likes mushy pasta! Make sure you cook it al dente. It should still have a little bite to it. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Adjusting the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Sauce Consistency

Is your sauce a little too thick? No worries! Remember that pasta water you saved? Add a splash or two to thin it out to the perfect creamy consistency. Easy peasy!

Choosing the Right Buffalo Wing Sauce for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This is KEY! Buffalo sauces range from mild to WILD. Pick one you love! I usually go for a medium heat, but if you’re a spice fiend, go for the hot stuff! Just start with a little and add more to taste. You can always add heat, but you can’t take it away!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Buffalo Chicken Pasta (congrats!). Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! Here are a couple of my favorite ways to jazz up this already awesome dish:

Adding Vegetables to Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Totally do it! I love adding some chopped celery, carrots, or even bell peppers for a little crunch and extra nutrients. Just toss ’em in with the garlic and butter, and you’re good to go!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Feeling extra fiery? I get it! Kick up the heat by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Careful though, a little goes a long way! You could even use a hotter buffalo sauce if you’re feeling brave!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta - detail 2

Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Alright, your Buffalo Chicken Pasta is ready to rock! But what should you serve with it to make it a *complete* meal? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Salad

Gotta get those greens in! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the *perfect* counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. It’s all about balance, baby!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Garlic Bread

Okay, let’s be real… who can resist garlic bread? Warm, crusty garlic bread is amazing for soaking up all that extra buffalo sauce. Just sayin’!

Storing and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out. Microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Easy peasy!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my famous Buffalo Chicken Pasta:

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Totally! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat. The sauce might thicken up a bit, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up. Still tastes amazing!

Can I use a different type of cheese in Buffalo Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While blue cheese is classic with buffalo flavor, feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. Just use what you love!

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta?

Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze and thaw well. The sauce might separate and the texture might be a little weird. It’s best to enjoy this Buffalo Chicken Pasta fresh!

Nutritional Information for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Okay, a quick note: Nutrition info is just an estimate, ya know? It totally depends on the brands and ingredients you use. So, don’t take it as gospel!

Enjoy Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta!

Alright, go make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta and tell me what you think! Leave a comment below or give the recipe a rating. I wanna know if you loved it as much as I do!

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pasta in Just 30 Minutes

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  • Author: Rachel Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in buffalo wing sauce, heavy cream, and blue cheese dressing. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. Add shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to combine.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with blue cheese crumbles.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your preference.
  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Hi, I’m Rachel!

Recipe creator, food enthusiast, and busy mom on a mission to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. I share tried-and-true recipes that are easy to follow, budget-friendly, and always satisfying. Let’s make dinnertime the best part of your day!

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