Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Nothing like a bowl of creamy, spicy and flavorful pasta to bring comfort to your dinner table. This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta pairs the zippy heat of Buffalo sauce with the lush creaminess of cheese (and tender chicken) to create something irresistible.
Whether you’re whipping up a made-for-weeknight-dinner dinner or a flavorful at-home game day spread or a dish to wow friends, this recipe is here for you.
Here’s everything you need to know to recreate this crave-worthy meal ASAP from tips to nutrition info, serving suggestions and all the answers to your most-asked questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Simple: This is easy to throw together in under an hour, so it’s a good meal for busy days.
- Go Bold: Tangy buffalo sauce combined with creamy cheeses makes every bite a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: Change up the spice level, pick your favorite shape of pasta, add some veggies.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It warms up so well, making a delicious meal the following day!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta & drain and reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter until bubbling over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for a minute or so until fragrant. You have to be careful not to burn the garlic — the color should be golden and fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes. The garlicky sauce will smell amazing throughout the kitchen!
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Slowly mix in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream, and stir until the sauce is creamy and decadent.
Fold in the shredded or diced chicken, stirring just enough to heat through, 2–3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat every piece of pasta in that creamy buffalo sauce.
Spoon the pasta into a serving dish, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of flavor, and serve warm!
Notes
Tips to Make It Just Right
- Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used for a milder dish, or dilute with extra chicken broth. For extra heat, fold in a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Save Time With Rotisserie Chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a no-fuss way to conserve prep time.
- Smooth Cheeses: Use softened cream cheese beforehand so it can blend smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
- To Reheat: Sometimes adding a splash of milk or chicken broth while re-heating will bring back that creamy texture.
How to Serve and Pair
Side Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad for the fresh contrast.
- Serve with garlic bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.
Drink Pairings:
- Match the dish with a chilled glass of white wine or a light lager to offset the richness and spice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~475
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can also make the sauce and chicken in advance. When it’s time to serve, cook the fresh pasta, warm the sauce and toss it all together.
2. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta. To serve, prepare fresh pasta and toss with thawed, reheated sauce.
3. How Should I Store Leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers, covered airtight, for up to 3 days. In a skillet over low heat, reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Why You’ll Make This Recipe Over and Over
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is not your ordinary weeknight dish, this is a versatile meal for any occasion! When you have a good bite, it continues, you have a rich and creamy texture, a bold and spicy kick, with every mouthful giving you balance of comfort and spiciness. Ideal as a family dinner, a special occasion for some friends, or perhaps an indulgent self-care supper after a long day.