Description
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the spicy kick of buffalo wings with the comforting creaminess of cheesy pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty, flavor-packed dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and can be easily adjusted to your preferred spice level.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until golden and fully cooked, then shred or slice.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour in buffalo sauce and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, stirring until fully combined.
- Add shredded cheddar (and mozzarella if using) and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and thick.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use mild buffalo sauce or add more cream cheese for a gentler flavor.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a baked version, top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
