There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of pasta. And when it’s combined with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, it becomes the kind of dish that you dream about making again and again. This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is one of those meals that brings people together—perfect for a cozy family dinner, a game day gathering, or even a weeknight indulgence.
Growing up, buffalo-flavored anything was a staple in our house. From wings on Sunday afternoons to buffalo dip during movie nights, the tangy, spicy flavor of buffalo sauce was always present. But when I stumbled upon the idea of combining that flavor with pasta, it felt like a game-changer. There’s something magical about the way the creaminess of the cheese balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce. And the pasta? It’s like the glue that ties it all together, creating a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
If you’re someone who loves bold flavors but also craves a comforting, creamy bite, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: It combines the heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses and juicy chicken, resulting in a perfect flavor balance.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, swap out pasta types, or even add your favorite veggies for extra flair.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work wonderfully)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside. I recommend saving about ½ cup of the pasta water—it can come in handy later if you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should be golden and aromatic.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and buffalo sauce into the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. The aroma of the tangy buffalo sauce mingling with the garlic is simply mouthwatering!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Next, stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Gently fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through for 2–3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring until it’s fully coated in the luscious, creamy buffalo sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit more chicken broth. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken—it’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for this dish.
- Cheese Tips: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the sauce. This will help it melt smoothly without leaving lumps.
- Reheat with Ease: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread.
- Feel free to swap out penne for other pasta shapes like fusilli or cavatappi—they’ll soak up the sauce just as well.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: ~475
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta. When reheating, cook fresh pasta and toss it with the warmed sauce.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll also enjoy these other comforting dishes:
Conclusion
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a bold and flavorful meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.
So, the next time you’re craving something comforting with a kick, give this recipe a try. Trust me—it’ll quickly earn a spot on your list of go-to meals! Let me know how it turned out, and feel free to share your own twists on the recipe. Enjoy
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of pasta. And when it’s combined with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, it becomes the kind of dish that you dream about making again and again. This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is one of those meals that brings people together—perfect for a cozy family dinner, a game day gathering, or even a weeknight indulgence.
Growing up, buffalo-flavored anything was a staple in our house. From wings on Sunday afternoons to buffalo dip during movie nights, the tangy, spicy flavor of buffalo sauce was always present. But when I stumbled upon the idea of combining that flavor with pasta, it felt like a game-changer. There’s something magical about the way the creaminess of the cheese balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce. And the pasta? It’s like the glue that ties it all together, creating a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
If you’re someone who loves bold flavors but also craves a comforting, creamy bite, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work wonderfully)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside. I recommend saving about ½ cup of the pasta water—it can come in handy later if you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should be golden and aromatic.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and buffalo sauce into the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. The aroma of the tangy buffalo sauce mingling with the garlic is simply mouthwatering!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Next, stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Gently fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through for 2–3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring until it’s fully coated in the luscious, creamy buffalo sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread.
- Feel free to swap out penne for other pasta shapes like fusilli or cavatappi—they’ll soak up the sauce just as well.