Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the creamy, cheesy richness of comfort food with the bold, spicy flavors of Buffalo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce, making it an ideal main dish for family dinners, parties, or game night. Customize the spice level to suit your preferences and pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb.)
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (can substitute ranch)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional, for finishing sauce)
Instructions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and toss with blue cheese dressing. Set aside.
- Pro Tip: Add 1–2 chicken bouillon cubes to the water for extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Vegetables
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and stir in the pasta.
- Submerge the pasta fully in the liquid, cover, and let it boil for 10–13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in Buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheeses. Use a silicone spatula to mix gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens.
- Note: The sauce may look thin initially but will thicken as it stands.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add shredded chicken and red pepper flakes to the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Optional: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a silky finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s softened for smooth melting.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella work best for a creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which may result in a grainy sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to make the dish spicier or milder. Ranch dressing can also be used for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the dish
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1,450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg