Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This creamy buffalo chicken pasta combines the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo wings with the comfort of a hearty pasta dish. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and tangy buffalo flavor that will satisfy your craving for something indulgent yet easy to prepare.

I first made this buffalo chicken pasta during a game day gathering, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Since then, it has become my go to crowd pleaser when hosting friends who appreciate comfort food with a kick.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein that absorbs the buffalo flavor beautifully while staying tender
• Buffalo sauce: Delivers that distinctive tangy heat that makes this dish special choose Frank's RedHot for authentic flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates a silky smooth texture that mellows the heat while adding richness
• Blue cheese dressing: Adds a classic buffalo wing companion flavor that complements the spice perfectly
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses: Work together for optimal meltability and flavor the cheddar brings sharpness while mozzarella provides the stretch
• Celery: Adds a traditional buffalo wing side right into the dish providing fresh crunch and subtle flavor
• Chicken broth: Serves as the cooking liquid for the pasta infusing every bite with savory goodness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the chicken breast in water at a gentle boil for approximately 15 minutes until no pink remains in the center. Once cooked, use two forks to pull apart the meat into bite sized shreds. Immediately toss the warm chicken with blue cheese dressing to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large high walled skillet until it begins to foam. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking them slowly for a full 5 minutes until they become translucent but not browned. This patience builds essential flavor foundations. Add the minced garlic for just one minute more any longer and it might burn and become bitter.

Cook the Pasta:

Pour the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth into your skillet with the aromatics. Bring this flavorful liquid to a vigorous boil before adding your penne pasta. Ensure every piece is fully submerged, cover the skillet, and allow to boil for 10 to 13 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan. Test a piece to ensure it reaches al dente perfection with a slight firmness at the center.

Create the Creamy Buffalo Sauce:

Reduce your heat to low to prevent any cheese separation. Add buffalo sauce according to your heat preference, followed by cubed cream cheese and both shredded cheeses. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon using a folding motion until all cheese has completely melted and created a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of your spoon.

Combine and Finish:

Gently fold in your blue cheese coated shredded chicken and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you desire additional heat. For professional level richness, add cold butter at the very end by swirling it into the hot pasta until it creates a glossy finish on your sauce. This technique called mounting with butter elevates the dish to restaurant quality.

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The combination of three different cheeses might seem excessive but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture. The first time I made this for my buffalo wing loving brother in law, he declared it better than his favorite restaurant version and now requests it every time he visits.

Storage and Reheating

This buffalo chicken pasta stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce overnight which actually intensifies the flavor profile. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency, and warm slowly over medium low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming throughout the dish.

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Perfect Pairings

Balance the richness of this pasta with a simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the creaminess and refreshes the palate between bites. For beverages, a crisp lager or cold glass of unsweetened iced tea complements the spiciness perfectly. If serving as part of a larger spread, consider adding garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of the decadent sauce.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes personal touches to make it your own. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese. Vegetarians can replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in the same buffalo sauce. If blue cheese feels too strong, ranch dressing makes a milder alternative that still provides creaminess. For extra vegetables, stir in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers during the final heating stage until just wilted or softened.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes an excellent time-saving substitution. Simply shred about 2-3 cups of meat and toss with the blue cheese dressing as directed. This option adds extra flavor while reducing cooking time by about 15 minutes.

→ How spicy is this buffalo chicken pasta?

The dish has a moderate heat level that's balanced by the creaminess of the cheese sauce. To adjust spiciness, simply increase or decrease the amount of buffalo sauce. For a milder version, start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste. For extra heat, incorporate more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne catches the sauce nicely in its ridges and hollow center, you can substitute with rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni with similar results. Just maintain the same pasta weight (1 lb) and adjust cooking time according to package directions for al dente texture.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess, as the pasta will absorb sauce while stored. Reheat gently in a microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook and shred the chicken, chop vegetables, and measure ingredients a day in advance. When ready to serve, the final dish can be assembled in about 20 minutes. If making completely ahead, add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid when reheating as the pasta will continue to absorb sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, light blue cheese dressing, and reduce the amount of shredded cheese by half. You can also increase vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or spinach, and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. These modifications maintain the flavor profile while reducing the overall calorie content.