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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy buffalo kick in every bite. Perfect for quick, flavorful dinners!
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Craving a spicy twist on comfort food? Try our Buffalo Chicken Pasta! This creamy, cheesy dish packs a bold kick of buffalo sauce in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day parties, this easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a meal everyone will love!
This recipe is easy to make, so follow the guide below for a stress-free cooking experience. We include step-by-step photos, pro tips, and tricks to ensure perfect results every time. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you can cook with confidence.
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Whip up this Buffalo Chicken Pasta in just 30 minutes for a quick and delicious meal! The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo flavor make it perfect for weeknight dinners or game day parties. Your guests will love the bold taste, and you'll love how easy it is to prepare. Make this dish at home to impress everyone with its irresistible flavor and simplicity!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup of ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, based on preference)
- ½ cup of buffalo sauce (adjust the hot sauce according to spice level preference)
- 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken breasts
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided in half
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided in half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup of blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Pro Tip
Be sure NOT to use pre-shredded cheeses. They have additives added in the bags to prevent clumping, and they do not melt as well as a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Buffalo Chicken Pasta by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your pasta uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles to fit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this
Substitute Chicken: Use cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist on your Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Substitute Buffalo Sauce: Swap buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a milder flavor in your pasta dish.
Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition in your Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Pro Tip
You can prepare this casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and tips for perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Let's get started and create something delicious!
FIRST STEP: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a 9X13 casserole dish and coat it with cooking spray, or brush it with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
SECOND STEP: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set the cooked pasta aside.
THIRD STEP: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce until it turns into a creamy mixture.
FOURTH STEP: Add the shredded chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, one cup of mozzarella cheese, one cup of cheddar cheese, and the cooked penne pasta to the cheesy sauce.
FIFTH STEP: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
SIXTH STEP: Spoon the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
SEVENTH STEP: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the pasta in the casserole dish, and then place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
EIGHTH STEP: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven. To serve, garnish the buffalo chicken pasta bake with thinly sliced green onions and, if you prefer, add crumbled blue cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
NINTH STEP: You can also drizzle some extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on top for added tanginess.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is versatile and delicious for any occasion! Whether it's a casual family dinner or a festive celebration, this dish shines.
- Game Day Parties: Serve this spicy pasta at your next game day gathering. It pairs perfectly with buffalo wings and crispy potato skins, keeping everyone cheering for more!
- Weeknight Dinners: Make busy weeknights easier with this quick and comforting dish. Kids love the creamy sauce and bold flavors, especially when served with a side of garlic bread.
- Potlucks and BBQs: Bring this crowd-pleaser to your next potluck or summer BBQ. It stands out when paired with a fresh salad and grilled veggies, making it a hit for all ages!
Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a beloved favorite among our readers for several irresistible reasons:
- Bold Flavors with a Creamy Twist: This recipe combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Every bite offers a perfect balance of heat and comfort, making it a must-try for any buffalo chicken fan.
- Quick and Easy Comfort Food: Readers love how this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients make it a go-to for a satisfying and stress-free meal.
- A Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike enjoy the creamy texture and bold flavors. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, making it a staple in many households.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta shape, but penne or rotini work best for holding the creamy buffalo sauce.
Q: How do I make the buffalo sauce less spicy in Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
A: Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add more cream or cheese to balance the heat while keeping it flavorful.
Q: What type of chicken works best for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
A: Use cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for tender, flavorful pieces that mix well with the pasta and sauce.
Q: How long does it take to prepare Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
A: The total prep and cook time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option for busy nights.
Serving FAQ
How do I adjust the spice level in Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
To make it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce or add extra cream. For more heat, increase the buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta at a family gathering?
Yes, Buffalo Chicken Pasta is perfect for family gatherings. It's easy to make, and the creamy, spicy flavors please both kids and adults.
What is the best pasta shape for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
How can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta look more appealing when serving?
Garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or fresh parsley for a colorful, eye-catching presentation that adds extra flavor.
Storage FAQ
How do I adjust the spice level in Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
To make it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce or add extra cream. For more heat, increase the buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta at a family gathering?
Yes, Buffalo Chicken Pasta is perfect for family gatherings. It's easy to make, and the creamy, spicy flavors please both kids and adults.
What is the best pasta shape for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
How can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta look more appealing when serving?
Garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or fresh parsley for a colorful, eye-catching presentation that adds extra flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy buffalo kick in every bite. Perfect for quick, flavorful dinners!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (based on preference)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust the hot sauce according to spice level preference)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breats
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided in half)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 to 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a 9X13 casserole dish and coat it with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set the cooked pasta aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce until it turns into a creamy mixture.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and the cooked penne pasta to the cheesy sauce.
- Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the pasta in the casserole dish, and then place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top has melted.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven. To serve, garnish the buffalo chicken pasta bake with thinly sliced green onions and, if you prefer, add crumbled blue cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- You can also drizzle some extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on top for added tanginess.
Notes
- Be sure NOT to use pre-shredded cheeses. They have additives added in the bags to prevent clumping, and they do not melt as well as a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 745kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1.428mg | Potassium: 312mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1.221IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 543mg | Iron: 1mg
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