Looking for comfort food with a bold twist? This Buffalo Chicken Pasta brings together everything you love about classic buffalo wings—zesty heat, creamy richness, and a cheesy finish—all tossed with tender pasta for a meal that’s comforting yet exciting. Each bite delivers just the right balance of spice and creaminess, making it a family favorite and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or spicing up your next potluck, this dish offers satisfying flavor and effortless appeal. Get ready to crave Buffalo Chicken Pasta on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Pasta shines with simple ingredients that work together in perfect harmony—each one playing a special role in delivering the ultimate creamy, spicy, cheesy experience. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why!

Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): Hearty shapes like penne or rotini soak up the sauce beautifully, giving you delicious flavor in every bite.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the garlic throughout the pasta.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A hint of garlicky aroma infuses the entire sauce, elevating the savory base.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe quick and brings tender, juicy bites to the dish.
Buffalo sauce (½ cup): Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice—adjust the amount to suit your spice preference!
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds creamy body and depth to the sauce, making it velvety and rich.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (½ cup): Either dressing cools the heat and adds a tangy twist—try blue cheese for extra punch!
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The bold cheddar melts beautifully, creating a luxurious, cheesy texture.
Mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Adds stretchy, creamy goodness when stirred in with the pasta.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to round out the flavors and add a hint of warmth.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness on top, plus gorgeous color contrast for serving.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta of choice—penne or rotini work especially well here. Cook the pasta until just al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This helps the noodles hold up when tossed in the creamy, cheesy sauce! Drain well and set aside while you get started on the flavor-packed sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foaming slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. This step releases all those delicious garlicky oils and forms the tasty foundation of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta sauce.

Step 3: Heat the Chicken & Buffalo Sauce

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and pour in that fiery buffalo sauce. Toss everything together, letting the chicken soak up the spicy flavor for 2 to 3 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell irresistible at this point—promise!

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Next up is the creamy component: add the can of cream of chicken soup and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until everything is smooth and heated through, creating a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of chicken.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta & Cheese

Add the drained pasta into the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the creamy, spicy sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce turns gooey and irresistible. Finish with a grind or two of black pepper. Taste for seasoning and adjust the buffalo sauce if you want more kick.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Buffalo Chicken Pasta to bowls or a serving dish. For the finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top. Serve piping hot and enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, cheesy, delicious flavors!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate both the flavor and appearance of Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Try a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and a gentle oniony bite, or use parsley for a refreshing herbal note. If you love extra heat, a light drizzle of buffalo sauce or a touch of crumbled blue cheese on top is always a hit. Let everyone add their favorite finishing touches at the table!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty, but pairing it with the right sides makes the meal special. Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks echo the vibe of classic buffalo wings, offering a cool crunch alongside the spicy main event. Simple green salads with ranch or blue cheese dressing, or a basket of warm, crusty bread, also balance the richness and make the meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Give Buffalo Chicken Pasta a playful spin by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or transfer it to a baking dish, add extra cheese, and bake for a decadent cheesy crust. For game-day gatherings, scoop the pasta into mini cups and top each with a toothpick of celery for a fun, shareable appetizer. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the presentation—buffalo-style comfort always brings a smile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta (lucky you!), simply transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to 3 days. Pasta dishes like this can taste even better the next day as the flavors mingle and settle, so don’t hesitate to save a portion for tomorrow’s lunch!

Freezing

Buffalo Chicken Pasta freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or busy nights. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to help maintain that creamy texture.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. You may want to add a splash of milk or extra dressing to loosen up the sauce, ensuring it stays creamy and smooth. Stir gently as it heats to redistribute the cheese and sauce evenly throughout the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are perfect for catching the sauce, just about any short pasta shape will do. Try shells, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni for a fun twist—just be sure to cook it al dente.

Is there a way to make this dish milder or spicier?

Of course! If you prefer a milder Buffalo Chicken Pasta, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add more ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow out the heat. If you love it fiery, go ahead and pour in a little extra buffalo sauce—or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the pasta, sauce, and chicken together ahead of time, then keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. For the cheesiest results, add the cheese and heat everything up just before serving so the sauce stays creamy and gooey.

What’s the best way to add extra creaminess?

For extra luscious Buffalo Chicken Pasta, stir in a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese when you add the cream of chicken soup and dressing. This not only intensifies the creaminess but also smooths out the spice, giving the whole dish a decadent restaurant-style touch.

Can I turn this into a baked pasta dish?

Absolutely! After tossing everything together, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle on extra cheddar and mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes. This creates a golden, cheesy top and a bubbling, irresistible casserole-style meal.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is one of those magical meals that combines bold flavor, creamy comfort, and easy weeknight appeal. Whether you’re craving spice or simply want a new twist on pasta night, this recipe has you covered. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—your tastebuds (and your friends and family) will thank you!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and spicy flavors of Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This comforting dish combines tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey cheeses for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken, buffalo sauce, cream of chicken soup, and ranch dressing. Cook until heated through.
Combine: Mix in the cooked pasta, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until creamy. Season with black pepper.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve hot.