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

Scale

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.