If you’re a fan of spicy, creamy comfort food with a little kick, you’re in for a treat with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines all the flavors we love from classic buffalo wings—zesty sauce, tender chicken, and a creamy, cheesy finish—into a crowd-pleasing pasta dish that’s as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for game day gatherings. Every bite is satisfyingly rich, with the tang of buffalo sauce balanced by the coolness of sour cream and gooey mozzarella, and there’s just enough heat to keep you coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe irresistible are the simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create bold flavors and a crave-worthy texture. Don’t skip any, because each item truly earns its spot in the lineup—think creamy, spicy, melty, and herby all in one bowl.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Choose a sturdy pasta shape to soak up all that luscious sauce and stand up to the chunks of tender chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds rich flavor as the base for sautéing garlic and kicking off the sauce.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, and it soaks up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with a savory, aromatic punch—don’t be shy with it!
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star ingredient; adjust the amount to suit your desired heat level.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Lends velvetiness to the sauce and beautifully balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Rounds out the sauce with a creamy, tangy depth—perfect for taming spicy notes.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Helps achieve that signature melty, stringy goodness.
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Adds a sharp, salty edge that’s classic with anything buffalo flavored.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhance and balance all the flavors throughout the dish.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Offers a fresh, zippy bite and makes the final dish pop with color.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start off by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. You’ll want it al dente, so it stays firm and holds up when mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain it and set aside, but be sure to reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen up your sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just long enough to release its fragrance—usually about a minute. This is the secret to building a flavorful base for the entire Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it’s happily bubbling, add in the sour cream and whisk until smooth and luscious, with no lumps in sight. This step makes sure every bite has that irresistible creamy-spicy combo!
Step 4: Add Chicken and Heat Through
Toss the shredded chicken into the skillet and stir to coat. Let it heat through for about 2–3 minutes so it can soak up those big bold flavors. There’s nothing better than tender chicken that’s perfectly infused with buffalo sauce!
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Stir patiently until it melts completely, transforming your sauce into a velvety, cheesy dream. If you’re a blue cheese lover, now’s the time to fold in some blue cheese crumbles too.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish
Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in the spicy, creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve with Toppings
Dish out generous servings and top with extra blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions. That little fresh crunch and punch of sharp cheese are incredible finishing touches to this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with blue cheese crumbles and freshly sliced green onions isn’t just for looks—it lifts the dish with bursts of flavor and brightness. If you want a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a drizzle of ranch or extra hot sauce adds another layer of personality.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe by serving it alongside crisp celery sticks, a simple green salad, or garlicky breadsticks. For those who love extra heat, provide a side of buffalo sauce or a cooling bowl of ranch dressing for dipping and drizzling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual ramekins for a party-ready appetizer, or pile it into a family-style baking dish and broil for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese on top. You can even stuff leftovers into bell peppers, then bake for a fun twist that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll stay flavorful and creamy in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re storing with garnishes, add those just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
Freezing
This dish actually freezes amazingly well! Divide cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (omit the fresh garnishes until ready to serve). When stored properly, your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe can last up to 2 months in the freezer—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help revive the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. Add fresh garnishes after warming for the best flavor and presentation.
FAQs
Can I use any type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini hold up particularly well, feel free to experiment with shells, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just aim for a shape that clings onto all that delicious sauce.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level totally depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. You can always start mild and add extra hot sauce if you’re after more of a kick, or stir in a bit of ranch or extra sour cream if you’re looking to mellow things out.
What’s a good substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, a sprinkle of feta or extra mozzarella gives a salty, creamy finish. Ranch dressing is another fan-favorite topping, bringing in that cool, herby flavor.
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and pasta separately a day in advance and combine just before serving. If prepping ahead, save the garnishes for when it’s time to eat so they stay fresh and vibrant.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Of course—swap in half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and use light sour cream. You can also boost the veggie content by tossing in steamed broccoli or spinach for an extra pop of color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
I hope you get as much joy from making and sharing this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe as I do—it’s truly the best mix of spicy, creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors in one dish. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation! Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every flavorful bite.
Print
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy, cheesy pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Chicken Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic. Stir in the buffalo sauce and heavy cream, simmering gently. Add sour cream, then the shredded chicken, cooking until heated through. Reduce heat, add mozzarella cheese, and stir until creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with blue cheese and green onions.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce.
- Ranch dressing can be used instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
