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.

Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Step 1. Cook the Pasta

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.

Step 2. Sauté Garlic

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.

Step 3. Create the Buffalo Sauce Base

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!

Step 4. Make It Creamy

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.

Step 5. Add Chicken

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.

Step 6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat every piece of pasta in that creamy buffalo sauce.

Step 7. Garnish and Serve

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

Author: Susan M
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American