No ratings yet

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, fun dinner option that adds a unique twist to your weeknight meals. It’s a family favorite, ready in just 20 minutes, packing a deliciously spicy kick that everyone will love.

Buffalo chicken pasta in a pan with a wooden serving spoon.


A little bit of spice is nice! You are in the right place if you love a delicious meal with a kick. This buffalo chicken pasta is the perfect comfort food. It combines well-seasoned chicken with a delicious, fragrant sauce and yummy penne pasta. This easy chicken dinner is packed with classic buffalo flavor reminiscent of buffalo wings. This is the kind of meal that is guaranteed to have you coming back for more. 

The best part? This buffalo chicken pasta is incredibly easy to make. It uses only a few simple ingredients and requires minimal effort. In no time, you will be enjoying a hearty meal. It’s perfect for any night of the week. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With only 20 minutes, this recipe is quick and easy. The short prep and cooking time make it the perfect weeknight meal, especially for busy parents. It requires a few simple ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store and only a little effort. It is sure to gather the entire family around the dinner table.
  • Comfort Food: There is just something so comforting about pasta. The creamy texture of the sauce, coupled with the hearty chicken and pasta, makes this an amazing comfort food staple. It’s the perfect option for an indulgent and cozy mealtime. Serve it with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
  • Customizable Toppings: There are several garnish options. Add buffalo sauce, green onions, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, and extra cheddar cheese. These customizations allow people to create the bite that is perfect for them. 
  • Versatile: This buffalo chicken pasta is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a simple family dinner or at a larger-scale potluck. It is even perfect for game day when paired with various other options. 

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

  • Penne pasta
  • Unsalted butter
  • Chicken breast
  • Garlic
  • Cream cheese
  • Chicken broth
  • Buffalo wing sauce
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Green onions
  • Blue cheese crumbles
  • Ranch dressing
Ingredients on a white marble background.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

  • Step One: Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Step Two: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat, add butter and chicken, and cook until no longer pink and slightly golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken onto a plate and set aside.
  • Step Three: Add the minced garlic to the pan and allow it to cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Allow the cream cheese to heat up/melt (I like to chop it up a little with a wooden spoon), then whisk until smooth.
  • Step Four: Stir in the buffalo sauce. Then, stir in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Collage of making the sauce in a pan.
  • Step Five: Add cooked chicken and cooked and drained noodles and stir until evenly coated in sauce.
Collage of adding the pasta to the pan.
  • Step Six: Garnish the pasta with your favorite buffalo chicken toppings and serve warm
The recipe in a pan.

What to Serve with It

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    This creamy buffalo chicken pasta is perfect when paired with several different sides. 

    The recipe on a plate.

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Protein Options: You can use cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken rather than chicken breast. This will simplify the recipe and help you use the leftover chicken you have. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, depending on your preferences. 
    • Pasta Choices: While this recipe calls for penne pasta, you can easily switch it up. Try fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle for a fun texture in your buffalo chicken pasta. 
    • Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheeses in your pasta dish. You can use mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, or even Monterey jack. Using lots of cheese will add a delicious, indulgent level to this easy recipe. 
    • Spice Level: You can easily adjust the spice level in this easy buffalo chicken pasta recipe. Increase or decrease the buffalo sauce you use, add some extra cayenne or chili flakes if you like a spicy flavor, or add some blue cheese dressing to dull the spice. 

    Storage Instructions

    Leftovers of this easy dinner? While that is somewhat unlikely because everyone usually gobbles it up quickly, it can be easily stored. Place your leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. 

    Can I Freeze?

    Yes. If you plan on making this meal prep recipe, you can store it in the freezer. Place your cooled buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Prep Ahead: Cook and shred the chicken in advance, or prepare the buffalo sauce and store them in the refrigerator for quicker assembly.
    • Creamy Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is softened and whisked thoroughly to achieve a smooth and creamy sauce. It will combine much easier if it is softened.
      Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning as needed. Taste the sauce before adding the cooked chicken. This will help you get the exact flavor profile you want. 
    • Reserved Pasta Water: Save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Add a splash to the sauce if it needs to be thinned out or to help it adhere better to the pasta.
    • Keep it Warm: If serving at a gathering or party, keep the buffalo chicken pasta warm in a slow cooker or low heat, and set up a toppings station for guests.

    Recipes with Buffalo Sauce

    The recipe on a plate with a fork.

    Chicken Recipes

    Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

    No ratings yet

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 4
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and fun dinner option that adds a unique twist to your weeknight meals. It's a family favorite that's ready in just 20 minutes, packing a deliciously spicy kick that everyone will love.

    SAVE THIS RECIPE!

    Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 oz penne pasta
    • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 2 cups chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
    • 2 tsp garlic minced
    • 4 oz cream cheese softened
    • ¾ cup chicken broth
    • ¼ cup buffalo sauce
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated

    Garnish (optional):

    • Buffalo sauce
    • Green onions
    • Blue cheese crumbles
    • Ranch dressing
    • Cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    • Prepare penne pasta according to package instructions.
    • Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat, add butter and chicken and allow it to cook until no longer pink and it's slightly golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken onto a plate and set aside.
    • Add the minced garlic to the pan and allow it to cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds) then add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Allow the cream cheese to heat up/melt (I like to chop it up a little with a wooden spoon) then whisk until smooth.
    • Stir in the buffalo sauce. Then stir in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
    • Add cooked chicken and cooked and drained noodles, stir until evenly coated in sauce. Garnish the pasta with your favorite buffalo chicken toppings and serve warm.
    Shop the recommended products Plus browse all of my favorite products I use to create easy everyday recipes!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 988mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 1mg

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Main Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Keyword buffalo chicken, pasta

    Did you make this recipe?

    I’d love to see it! Make sure to share it on your favorite social platform.

    Want Even More Recipes?

    Join Moms Best Recipes to find more delicious family recipes.


    The Best of Simply Stacie ebook cover.

    free ebook!

    The Best of Simply Stacie

    When you subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Similar Posts