Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe – Ready in 30 M…
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Buffalo Chicken Pasta to make your day brighter. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my home because it’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply looking for a cozy family dinner, this one-pot wonder brings all the excitement of buffalo chicken wings into a creamy pasta dish that’s sure to please.
The best part? You can whip it up in just 35 minutes, and it works perfectly for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Plus, if you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can make this meal even quicker! So let’s dive into why you’ll love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
– Flavorful Comfort: The creamy sauce combined with zesty buffalo flavor is simply irresistible.
– Versatile: Perfect for using up leftover chicken or customizing with your favorite pasta.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
– Satisfying Meal: Hearty and filling, it’s perfect for any appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
For the Pasta
– 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (equal to 1 lb.)
– ½ cup blue cheese dressing (can sub ranch)
– 2 Tablespoons butter (divided)
– ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
– 1 stick celery (diced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained, (1 can))
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 lb. penne
– ½ cup buffalo sauce
– 8 oz. cream cheese (softened and cubed)
– 1.5 cups cheddar (shredded)
– 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
– 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional)
Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the flexibility it offers! Feel free to customize this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
– Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
– Change the pasta shape: Bowtie or fusilli work beautifully if you’re looking for a fun twist.
– Adjust the heat level: If you like it spicier, add more buffalo sauce or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
– Go dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breast until it’s fully cooked through. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry it based on your preference. Once cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial because tender pieces of chicken enhance every bite of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent—about 3–5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This aromatic base adds depth to your dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a simmer before stirring in the penne pasta and buffalo sauce. Cover and cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente. These steps create a rich sauce that envelopes each piece of pasta perfectly.
Step 4: Creamy Finish
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and mix in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually fold in both cheeses—cheddar and mozzarella—until everything is well combined and creamy. Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust seasonings if needed for a flavor that’s just right.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
If desired, finish with an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice or cold butter stirred in for an added richness before serving. Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Pasta hot from the skillet! It’s truly a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
With these steps completed, you’re ready to enjoy a delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a fun and delightful experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.
– Use room temperature cheese. Letting your cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing will help them blend smoothly into the sauce.
– Opt for rotisserie chicken. If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you preparation time while still delivering delicious flavor.
– Adjust the heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of buffalo sauce and gradually increase it to your taste. You can always add more but can’t take it away!
– Cook pasta al dente. Since the pasta will continue to cook slightly after being added to the sauce, aim for al dente so it retains a nice bite.
– Experiment with cheeses. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for an extra twist on flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Serving Buffalo Chicken Pasta is all about presentation and pairing it with the right accompaniments. This dish is colorful and vibrant, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Garnishes
– Fresh parsley or chives: Chopped herbs add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
– Extra buffalo sauce: Drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top for those who love a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
– Garlic bread: A warm slice of garlic bread complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
– Side salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the rich flavors of the dish.
– Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy touch to your meal.
– Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping is a great way to enjoy this dish throughout the week. With proper storage techniques, you can keep your Buffalo Chicken Pasta fresh and delicious!
Storing Leftovers
– Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
– Portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers.
– Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality; just be sure to label them with dates!
Reheating
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
– Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce while reheating.
FAQs
You may have some questions about making Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Here are some common ones answered!
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works great in this recipe; just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed since they may cook differently than regular pasta.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian version.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends largely on how much buffalo sauce you use. Start with less if you’re concerned about heat, then adjust according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love! I encourage you to try this recipe at home—your family and friends will thank you! Enjoy cooking and savor each bite!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the chicken breast until fully cooked through, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and celery until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in penne pasta and buffalo sauce. Cover and cook according to package instructions until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat and mix in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually fold in cheddar and mozzarella until well combined.
- Finish with optional red pepper flakes or cold butter before serving. Enjoy hot from the skillet.
