Name: Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 2 cups cooked smoked or grilled chicken (shredded or chopped); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup hot buffalo sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese (cubed); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 2 green onions (sliced); crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for topping (optional)

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This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to call up your friends and brag about what’s for dinner. Creamy, spicy, smoky, and cheesy, every forkful is packed with bold flavors and a kick of heat, all wrapped around your favorite noodles. It’s deceptively simple to make, but tastes like you spent hours fussing over it—exactly what you want in a weeknight treat or a Saturday night showstopper.

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is how a few well-chosen ingredients work together to deliver an epic punch of flavor. Each component plays a specific role—whether that’s creaminess, spice, smokiness, or a pop of color.

Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Pick a sturdy pasta to soak up that creamy, spicy sauce and not wilt under the flavor rush.
Smoked or grilled chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Smoky chicken brings depth and protein; rotisserie or leftover barbecue chicken works beautifully.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic for a fragrant base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing wakes up your taste buds quite like sizzling fresh garlic.
Hot buffalo sauce (1/2 cup): The spicy heart of the dish—feel free to adjust up or down depending on your heat preference.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxurious and perfectly balances the heat.
Cream cheese (4 oz, cubed): Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and subtle tang.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melty, gooey goodness that ties everything together.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of sweet-savory to boost the overall flavor base.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends just the right amount of warmth and balance.
Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For extra smoky layers—especially great if you want to really play up that BBQ vibe.
Green onions (2, sliced): A fresh, crunchy finish that brightens the final dish.
Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (for topping, optional): Adds an extra punch of flavor and sophisticated contrast.

How to Make Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne or rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This is your blank canvas for all the saucy goodness to come! Once it’s cooked, drain it well and set aside—don’t forget to grab a little pasta water in case you want to loosen up your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant. That aroma is your first hint this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be a hit!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Pour in the hot buffalo sauce and heavy cream, then add the cubed cream cheese. Whisk it all together until the cream cheese melts down and the sauce looks smooth and glossy. This is where those creamy, spicy, and tangy notes start coming together in harmony.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheddar and Seasonings

Sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, black pepper, and a little smoked paprika if you want an extra smoky depth. Keep stirring while everything melds together and the sauce thickens slightly—about 2 to 3 minutes is perfect.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the smoked or grilled chicken straight into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together until each piece of pasta is wrapped in that dreamy, spicy, creamy sauce. Let it all heat through for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors have a chance to really get acquainted.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Scoop generous portions onto plates or into bowls, then finish each serving with sliced green onions. For the ultimate flavor bomb, top with a handful of crumbled blue cheese or a good drizzle of ranch dressing. You’re ready to dig into this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe!

How to Serve Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For me, toppings are half the fun! A sprinkle of fresh green onions gives crunch and color, while blue cheese crumbles bring that classic Buffalo tang. Prefer things a bit milder? Ranch dressing is a creamy, cooling swirl that soothes the heat. Don’t be afraid to add extra hot sauce if you want to turn up the spice!

Side Dishes

If you’re feeding a crowd, round things out with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is a natural choice—perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or bell peppers are also a delicious, colorful complement to the boldness of the Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish can be dressed up or down: try serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or pile it high on a big family-style platter with all the toppings on the side. Want to go over the top? Finish the assembled pasta in a smoker-safe pan at 225°F for 20–30 minutes for an extra hit of smoky flavor—a true showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making the Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe a fantastic make-ahead lunch or dinner option. Just be sure to let things cool to room temperature before stashing them away.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta for up to two months. Portion out cooled leftovers into freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing but comes back together beautifully with a gentle stir and a splash of milk or cream when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings into the microwave with a splash of milk or cream, covering loosely to avoid drying out. Or, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring regularly. Top with fresh green onions or extra blue cheese to liven things up.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Just use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild version. You can also add extra cream or more cream cheese to soften the kick—totally customizable to your taste.

Do I have to use smoked chicken?

While smoked chicken gives this dish its signature flavor, you can easily swap in grilled, baked, or roasted chicken. For busy nights, even store-bought rotisserie chicken does the trick.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne or rotini are both great for holding onto that delicious sauce, but you can use any short, sturdy pasta you like—even gluten-free varieties if needed.

Can I add vegetables to the Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Definitely! Stir in some cooked broccoli, spinach, roasted red peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition. Just add them along with the chicken and pasta in Step 5.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you’d like something a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in Neufchatel cheese for cream cheese. The sauce will be a little less rich but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Don’t just dream about smoky, spicy, creamy pasta—make it happen! Give this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe a try the next time you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and bold. It’s crowd-pleasing, customizable, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every fiery, cheesy bite!

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the bold flavors of this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying, this dish is a perfect balance of heat and richness. With tender smoked chicken, a velvety buffalo cream sauce, and a sprinkle of blue cheese, every bite is a delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Chicken:

2 cups cooked smoked or grilled chicken (shredded or chopped)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup hot buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Garnish:

2 green onions (sliced)
crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add buffalo sauce and cream. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in cheddar, onion powder, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer.
Combine: Add chicken and pasta to sauce, heat through.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Notes

Adjust buffalo sauce for preferred heat level
Smoked rotisserie chicken adds great flavor
For extra smoky taste, finish dish in smoker-safe pan at 225°F for 20–30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American