Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy buffalo chicken pasta comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Slightly spicy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken, it’s perfect for weeknights.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

• So easy: Ready in 30 minutes with just one pot for the sauce.
• So delicious: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy with tender chicken and tangy blue cheese.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Rigatoni: Its ridges hold onto the creamy buffalo sauce, but you could also use penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps the flavors meld together.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy base. Half-and-half can work for a lighter option, but the sauce will be thinner.
• Buffalo Sauce: The star of the dish, adding tangy, spicy flavor. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any buffalo sauce works.
• Spices: Onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika are the perfect trifecta to create delicious depth of flavor!
• Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce for cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar or Colby Jack can be substituted.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Quick and flavorful, but any cooked shredded chicken works.
• Green Onion: Fresh garnish that adds color and brightness.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese: A tangy finish that balances the spice. Feta or ranch dressing can be used if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

Make the sauce by melting butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, buffalo sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper. Let cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the cheese by stirring in the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.

Combine pasta and chicken by stirring them into the sauce until well coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garnish and serve with sliced green onion and crumbled blue cheese. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. It melts better than pre-shredded.
• Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to match your heat preference.
• Save some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can make the sauce up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove.
• Add freshly cooked pasta and chicken, and stir until heated through.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
• Or in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated.
• Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• crispy garlic bread
• simple house salad
• cornbread casserole
• air fryer green beans

Try these easy chicken recipes next!