There's nothing quite like the spicy kick of buffalo chicken paired with the comforting creaminess of pasta. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a bold, zesty dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a meal that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty and flavorful but didn’t have much time to cook. With just a few pantry staples and a touch of creativity, this recipe came to life – and it's been a household favorite ever since. Let’s dive into why this dish is about to become your new go-to.
Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that brings a little heat, a little creaminess, and a lot of flavor. Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes dinner exciting without overwhelming you in the kitchen.
First, it's quick and easy to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can have this dish ready to serve, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting friends who love a little spice, this dish never disappoints.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or even make it ahead of time to suit your schedule and preferences.
Finally, the ingredients are simple, affordable, and likely already in your kitchen. No special trips to the store are needed, which means more time enjoying the meal and less time stressing about it.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in the harmony of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this dish so special.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here, but thighs are a great option if you prefer juicier meat. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because their ridges catch and hold onto the creamy buffalo sauce. Cook them al dente to prevent sogginess.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the dish, this provides that signature spicy tang. You can use store-bought sauce, but feel free to make your own if you have a favorite recipe.
Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These ingredients balance the heat of the buffalo sauce and create a luxurious, velvety texture for the pasta.
Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar adds depth and richness to the sauce. For best results, shred your cheese at home to ensure it melts evenly.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the base of the dish, adding a savory depth that complements the spicy sauce.
If you have a large skillet or sauté pan, this will make cooking and tossing the pasta with the sauce much easier. A good quality cheese grater is also helpful for shredding the cheddar.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creating this irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pasta is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously – it enhances the flavor of the pasta. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the savory foundation for your sauce.
Lower the heat and stir in the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy, allowing the ingredients to meld together. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce if desired.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the sauce. Add the pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water, stirring to combine everything evenly. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
Once everything is well-coated and heated through, your Buffalo Chicken Pasta is ready to serve. Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a finishing touch. From start to finish, the entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Transfer any cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. You can also use the microwave, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
For freezing, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Variations and Substitutions
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
For a healthier twist, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. You can also use whole-grain or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas instead. They’ll soak up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
If you love extra heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Conversely, tone down the spice by using less buffalo sauce or adding a bit more cream.
Want to make it even cheesier? Stir in a handful of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar for extra gooeyness.
Experiment with toppings! Crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, or crispy bacon bits are all excellent additions that enhance the flavor and texture.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a recipe you’ll return to time and again. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and endless adaptability, it’s a dish that truly delivers.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spicy buffalo flavor for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add buffalo sauce and heavy cream, stirring until combined.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix in shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add ranch or blue cheese dressing, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1180mg
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