If you love dishes that come packed with bold flavor and satisfying comfort, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, spice-coated chicken mingling with creamy, cheesy pasta, all swirled with that unmistakable tang of hot sauce. It’s the perfect blend of spicy and creamy that hits those crave-worthy notes every single time. Whether you’re tackling a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe brings warmth, zest, and deliciousness to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a delightfully simple affair. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding spice, creaminess, or texture, making the final dish a harmonious taste sensation you’ll want again and again.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it’s the hearty protein backbone of the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth to the chicken.
- Onion powder: Infuses a mild sweetness and balance to the spicy seasonings.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings that signature Buffalo heat that perks up your palate.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Cooking oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to a golden brown.
- Butter: Adds a rich silkiness to the sauce.
- Penne pasta: The perfect sturdy shape to soak up all those vibrant flavors.
- Petite diced tomatoes (undrained): Offer juiciness and a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.
- Chicken broth: The simmering liquid that infuses the pasta with extra savory goodness.
- Cream cheese: Creates velvety creaminess that balances the spicy sauce beautifully.
- Hot sauce: The heart and soul of the Buffalo flavor, pick your favorite for best results.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami layers and a slight tangy punch.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into the final layer of cheesy perfection.
- Green onions (optional): Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green for garnish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into pieces about half to three-quarters of an inch each. Combine your garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mix generously over the chicken. Toss the pieces until they’re evenly coated. This step ensures every bite has that perfect spicy, savory kick that sets this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe apart.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat your cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and let it brown on all sides. The goal here is to build flavor with a nice sear; the chicken does not have to be fully cooked through at this point since it will finish cooking with the pasta.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Next, add your uncooked penne pasta, the entire can of petite diced tomatoes (including their juices), and the chicken broth right into the skillet with the browned chicken. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift up all those flavorful browned bits—this adds incredible depth to the dish.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a strong simmer. Once bubbling, briefly stir the pasta, cover again, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, checking once or twice to stir gently. This is when the pasta absorbs the broth and becomes perfectly tender—all while allowing the chicken to cook through in that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Sauce
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is thickened but still slightly saucy, stir in the cubed cream cheese, butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until the cream cheese completely melts and transforms the mixture into a luscious, creamy Buffalo sauce base.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Serve
Finally, sprinkle in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir until it melts into a cheesy, gooey finish. You can top it off with sliced green onions for a fresh, mild crunch that complements the spicy richness. Serve this hot, creamy pasta dish right from the skillet for ultimate comfort eating.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe with a sprinkling of sliced green onions, which add a fresh pop of color and a subtle crunch. For an extra layer, crumble some blue cheese on top if you’re a fan of that classic Buffalo pairing. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side will also wow guests looking for a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, cooling sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans bring a nutritious, fresh balance. For carb lovers, some warm garlic bread is an unbeatable companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta in a large, shallow bowl or a striking casserole dish right at the table. You can also create individual servings in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a parsley sprig for a charming touch. Add a side of celery sticks for that true Buffalo experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the pasta will soak up the sauce while chilling, so the dish might seem thicker and heartier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Because of the cream cheese and pasta, the texture might be slightly different upon thawing, but it still heats up deliciously when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms so it stays creamy and smooth. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to preserve the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli for a fun twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The recipe brings a medium level of heat thanks to cayenne and hot sauce, but you can easily tailor the spice by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or choosing a milder hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, try substituting the chicken with sautéed cauliflower or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still be fantastic!
Is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the creamy texture might change slightly after freezing, but reheating gently restores much of the dish’s original charm.
What’s the best way to add extra cheese to this recipe?
Feel free to stir in additional shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a bit of mozzarella for gooier richness. Adding cheese at the end before serving ensures it melts perfectly without becoming grainy.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food with a spicy, creamy kick that livens up your dinner table. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to meals when you want something deliciously satisfying and oh-so-easy!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, spicy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a zesty buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and cream cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines the bold flavors of classic buffalo chicken with comforting pasta for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb), cut into ½-¾ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into ½-¾ inch pieces. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, tossing to ensure each piece is well coated with the seasoning.
- Brown Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and brown on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, just nicely browned to develop flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: To the skillet with the browned chicken, add the uncooked penne pasta, the entire can of petite diced tomatoes with their liquid, and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well to scrape and dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, incorporating that flavor into the liquid.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the liquid to a strong simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, briefly stir the pasta, replace the lid, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally (once or twice), always replacing the lid after stirring to trap steam and cook the pasta evenly until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: With the pasta tender and only a small amount of thickened liquid remaining, add the cubed cream cheese, butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir over medium-low heat until the cream cheese and butter are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy and spicy coating for the pasta and chicken.
- Serve: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and combined. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve the dish hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth with homemade stock or add a splash of heavy cream.
- If Monterey Jack cheese is unavailable, mild cheddar or mozzarella can be used as substitutes.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
- Using a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid helps ensure even cooking and keeps the pasta moist.
