Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is where creamy, cheesy goodness meets the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce. It’s a ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying dish that brings together two all-time favorites: buffalo chicken wings and comforting pasta. If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick to whip up but delivers a huge punch of flavor, you’ve found it. This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
We’re taking simple, everyday ingredients and transforming them into a restaurant-quality meal in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a game-changer. The sauce is the star of the show—perfectly balanced with tangy buffalo heat and a rich, velvety texture from the cream cheese. It clings to every piece of pasta and chicken, ensuring a flavorful bite every single time.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, coming together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, savory ranch, and sharp cheeses creates an unforgettable taste.
- Customizable Heat: You are in complete control of the spice level. Easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your family’s preference.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit for potlucks, family dinners, or game day gatherings.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Pasta and Chicken
- Pasta: A short, sturdy pasta like Penne, Rotini, or Fusilli is perfect. Their shapes are ideal for catching all of the creamy sauce.
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is what you’ll need. To save time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
For the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
- Butter & Garlic: The foundation of any great sauce, providing a rich, aromatic base.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, velvety sauce. Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best results.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Use your favorite brand! The quality of the sauce will directly impact the final flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds a cooling, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds a delicious cheesy pull.
- Garnish: Crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions are the perfect finishing touch, adding a sharp, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate
Making this creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Start the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Build the Creaminess: Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it has melted into a smooth base.
- Add the Flavor: Whisk in the buffalo sauce, chicken broth, and ranch dressing. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded chicken and the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is completely melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Finish the Dish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles and freshly sliced green onions.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Dish
Want to take your buffalo chicken pasta to the next level? Here are a few expert tips.
Control the Heat
The spiciness of this dish depends entirely on your buffalo sauce. For a milder version, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the quantity slightly and add a bit more ranch dressing. For extra heat, use a hot buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
The Secret to a Silky-Smooth Sauce
To ensure your sauce is perfectly smooth and never grainy, use room temperature cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
Time-Saving Hacks
Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut for this recipe. It saves you the step of cooking and shredding chicken, making this a true 30-minute meal. For a different twist on this classic, consider making a Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake for a crispy, cheesy top layer.
What to Serve with Your Pasta
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. For something more substantial, you can’t go wrong with warm, fluffy dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. This will help restore the sauce to its original creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead. Store the pasta and sauce separately if possible. If you store it combined, the pasta may absorb some of the sauce. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
To control the heat, use a buffalo sauce labeled ‘mild’. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the amount of ranch dressing to balance the flavors and cool it down.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat and add a splash of milk or chicken broth. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or oily.
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can simply leave it off or substitute it with extra shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different kind of tangy flavor.
Short, tube-shaped or spiral pastas like Penne, Rotini, Fusilli, or Cavatappi are best. Their ridges and shapes are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy buffalo sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other fan-favorite dinners. Try this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Tortellini for another creamy pasta night, or these fun and easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders for your next get-together.
Get the Full Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and stir constantly until it has completely melted.
- Whisk in the buffalo sauce, chicken broth, and ranch dressing. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions.
Notes
Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded cheese and full-fat, block-style cream cheese.
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