There’s something irresistible about the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of buffalo chicken pasta. It’s a dish that effortlessly brings comfort and excitement to your table, combining tender chicken, pasta, and a velvety buffalo sauce into one crowd-pleasing meal.
I first made this recipe on a whim during a game day, hoping to merge my love for buffalo wings with something heartier. The result? A pasta dish so good that it became an instant family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with this easy-to-make pasta recipe. It’s the perfect combination of bold flavors and creamy textures, making it an irresistible option for almost any occasion.
First, it’s a total time-saver. This buffalo chicken pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, so you can whip it up even on your busiest days. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Second, this recipe is a hit with everyone – even picky eaters. The spice level can easily be adjusted, so it works just as well for kids as it does for spice lovers.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also affordable. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes restaurant-worthy without breaking the bank.
Lastly, buffalo chicken pasta is endlessly versatile. From adding extra veggies to swapping out the pasta shape, you can customize it to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of buffalo chicken pasta lies in its balance of straightforward ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each one plays a key role in creating this unforgettable dish.
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rotini for this recipe. Their shape holds onto the creamy buffalo sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They cook quickly and provide a lean, tender protein. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce for the best results. I prefer a medium-heat version, but you can go mild or extra hot based on your preference.
Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These two ingredients create the luscious, creamy base of the sauce. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness, while the heavy cream ensures a smooth consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: A generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese brings the perfect cheesy finish to the dish. For an extra kick, try using a blend of cheddar and pepper jack.
If you don’t already have a large skillet or sauté pan, you’ll want one for this recipe to ensure even cooking and enough room to toss the pasta with the sauce.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making buffalo chicken pasta is simple and straightforward, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time.
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then, stir in buffalo sauce and cream cheese, letting the cheese melt into the sauce for a smooth, creamy texture. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a rich and velvety sauce.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together, ensuring the sauce coats every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and let it melt into the dish. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh pop of color.
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Storage Options
Buffalo chicken pasta is just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent meal-prep option.
To store, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Variations and Substitutions
This buffalo chicken pasta is as versatile as it is tasty, so feel free to get creative with these variations.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or even crispy tofu for a different spin.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo flavor or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make this dish keto-friendly.
- Spice Adjustment: Customize the heat level by using mild buffalo sauce or mixing in a little extra hot sauce for more kick.
No matter how you tweak this recipe, the result is bound to be delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spicy buffalo flavors into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and ranch dressing. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in shredded chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions or crumbled blue cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
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