Buffalo Chicken Pasta

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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Hey there! So today, let’s talk about Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Yeah, I know, it’s one of those crazy, genius mash-up dishes that your taste buds will totally thank you for later. It’s got that spicy, tangy Buffalo chicken kick paired with pasta, making it ridiculously delicious and comforting. Trust me, one bite of this, and you’ll be hooked.

Now, my husband and kiddos practically worship this dish. Seriously, it’s like the anthem of family dinners at our place. Honestly, if you ever want to see my normally distracted teenager look up from their phone, just say “Buffalo Chicken Pasta” and watch it happen. This recipe has become legendary in our home because it’s easy to whip up but doesn’t taste like you cut corners, which is pretty much my vibe for weeknight dinner magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

– It’s like a party in your mouth — spice lovers, rejoice!
– Cook once, feed an army. Leftovers? Yes, please!
– You secretly think pasta and Buffalo wings are soulmates.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s do this! First things first, you wanna grab a big ol’ pot and fill it with water — sprinkle some salt in there like you’re throwing a bit of love into the mix and let it come to a boil. While that’s happening, take a pan and start cooking your chicken — don’t be shy with the Buffalo sauce, it’s what makes this dish sing. Toss in some garlic if you’re feeling it (we all need more garlic, right?), and let everything simmer until the chicken gets all nice and spicy.

Once the pasta’s cooked, drain it but don’t be that person who rinses it! The starch helps everything stick together. Mix your pasta with the chicken and sauce and do a little happy dance because you’re nearly there. Toss in some grated cheese — honestly, go nuts with it. There you go, magic in a pot!

Ingredient Notes

– Buffalo Sauce: You love it spicy? Use more! Too much sauce and we’re talking spice central, so dial it in how you like.
– Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, even a blend. I’ve sometimes just thrown in whatever’s left in the fridge cheese drawer. All good.
– Pasta: Please, don’t overcook it. Mushy pasta is not a vibe — you want it firm enough to handle that saucy goodness.

Recipe Steps:

1. Boil water with a generous pinch of salt.
2. Cook pasta to al dente, drain — but no rinsing!
3. In a pan, cook chicken with plenty of Buffalo sauce.
4. Mix pasta with chicken mixture and top with heaps of cheese.
5. Serve hot immediately for full flavor punch.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t underestimate the spice level. Start small and build up.
– If your sauce looks like it’s going haywire and splitting, a little cream or milk might just save it.

Storage Tips

Okay, so this beauty stores like a dream. Pop leftovers in an airtight container (if you’ve got any), and fridge it for up to three days. Eating it cold? Not gonna lie — it’s totally acceptable, especially when you’re standing in the kitchen in your pajamas at midnight.

Variations and Substitutions

Trust me, I’ve played with this one a lot. Swap out pasta for gluten-free varieties if you have to. Ran out of Buffalo sauce once and mixed hot sauce with a bit of butter — still yum. You can even throw some veggies in there (looking at you, broccoli) if the mood strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?
Totally. Just switch the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. I’ve done it more times than I can count. Still tastes bomb.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first? Asking for a friend.
Yeah… definitely peel it. Unless you’re into chewing bark. It’s not fun, trust me.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Been there, done that. Just drain it like your life depends on it. Still good, just not *as* wow.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down a bit?
You totally can. Cut the sugar a little or swap in honey or maple syrup. I’ve done both when I ran out of brown sugar.

What if I skip the sesame oil?
Honestly? It’s fine. You’ll lose that toasted vibe, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Still delicious.

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with a rich cheesy pasta for a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie chicken works well
  • 0.75 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • Add buffalo sauce and ranch dressing into the skillet and mix well to combine.
  • Stir in shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated with sauce.
  • Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Serve warm, garnished with extra buffalo sauce or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce.
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Featured Comments

“This crowd-pleaser recipe was so flavorful — the comforting really stands out. Thanks!”
★★★★★ 3 weeks ago Sam
“Impressed! Clear steps and turned out amazing results. Perfect for busy nights.”
★★★★☆ today Sam
“Made this last night and it was turned out amazing. Loved how the cheesy came together.”
★★★★☆ 11 days ago Jordan
“This sweet treat recipe was family favorite — the perfectly seasoned really stands out. Thanks!”
★★★★☆ 11 days ago Ava
“Impressed! Clear steps and family favorite results. Perfect for busy nights.”
★★★★☆ 3 days ago Ava
“Impressed! Clear steps and absolutely loved results. Perfect for busy nights.”
★★★★☆ 2 weeks ago Jordan

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