Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful, Comforting Dish

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the creamy richness of a cheesy pasta dish with the bold, spicy kick of Buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves a little heat in their meal. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner with family or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and zesty Buffalo sauce creates a deliciously satisfying dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Buffalo chicken has long been a favorite flavor in various recipes, from wings to dips, but this dish takes it to a new level by transforming it into a hearty pasta. For more Buffalo-inspired recipes, try Buffalo Chicken Dip or Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the bold, spicy flavors of Buffalo wings with creamy cheese and pasta for a comforting, satisfying dish. Tender chicken is coated in tangy Buffalo sauce, mixed with rich cheese, and served over a bed of pasta, making for a decadent meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love a cheesy pasta dish, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Crumbled blue cheese (for garnish)

For Homemade Buffalo Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish (optional):

• Crumbled blue cheese (optional, for a classic Buffalo flavor)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
• Extra Buffalo sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked through and browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the Buffalo sauce and butter (if using). Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken and absorb the flavor. Set the chicken aside.

Cook the Pasta:

• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Make the Cheesy Sauce:

• In the same skillet used for the chicken (or a separate one), melt the butter over medium heat.
• Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
• Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (optional), salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the cheesy sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Gently fold in the Buffalo chicken mixture, stirring to combine. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
• If the dish seems too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen it up.

Serve:

• Serve the cheesy Buffalo chicken pasta hot, garnished with crumbled blue cheese (if desired), fresh parsley or green onions, and a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce for added flavor and spice.

Notes

• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to balance the spiciness.
• You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
• Add extra vegetables, such as chopped celery or bell peppers, to make the dish even more hearty and flavorful.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and cheese. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a bit more fiber.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
   • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the Buffalo sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth base.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until well combined and heated through.
   • Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly to ensure the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
   • Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy Buffalo cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

1. Make It Spicy or Mild

If you love spice, feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more hot sauce to the Buffalo sauce or by incorporating red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce. For those who prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce and replace it with a little extra cream for a less spicy, more creamy version.

2. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor

For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted cauliflower to your dish. These veggies pair perfectly with the richness of the Buffalo sauce and cheese, adding both texture and nutrients to the dish.

3. Use Grilled Chicken for Extra Smokiness

Grilling the chicken before shredding it adds a smoky flavor that complements the spicy Buffalo sauce beautifully. For an extra depth of flavor, try grilling your chicken on a barbecue or using a grill pan to get those crispy grill marks before shredding.

4. Swap the Pasta Shape

While penne is the traditional pasta used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and maintain it:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the pasta, allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Add a small splash of milk or water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or dry.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

To make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. You can find a wide variety of gluten-free pasta options made from rice, corn, or quinoa that will work well in this recipe. Also, check the ingredients of your Buffalo sauce and heavy cream to ensure they are gluten-free.

2. Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives. There are many plant-based cheese options available, such as vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan mozzarella. Use a dairy-free milk like almond milk or oat milk in place of heavy cream for a creamy base.

3. Low-Carb or Keto

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version of this dish, replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles. These substitutes are lower in carbs but will still allow you to enjoy the delicious Buffalo chicken and creamy sauce.

4. Spicy Vegan Option

To make the dish spicy and vegan, you can use a plant-based chicken substitute or even tempeh. The flavor of the Buffalo sauce and cheese will still shine through, and tempeh adds a nice texture to the dish. You can find vegan-friendly hot sauces and creamy alternatives that will work perfectly in this recipe.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use store-bought Buffalo sauce?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought Buffalo sauce for convenience. Just be sure to choose one that matches your preferred spice level. If you prefer homemade Buffalo sauce, the recipe is simple to make and can be adjusted to suit your tastes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. To reheat, simply follow the reheating instructions above. If you’re prepping for a large event, you can even freeze the pasta for later.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Pair Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta with a light salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. For a more indulgent experience, serve with garlic bread or crispy fried chicken on the side.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer a spicier version, simply add more hot sauce to the Buffalo sauce. On the other hand, for a milder flavor, reduce the hot sauce and use a bit more heavy cream to soften the heat.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors. With creamy cheese, spicy Buffalo sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or serving it at a gathering, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Feel free to get creative with ingredients and substitutions to make it your own. This dish is highly customizable and can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. From its rich, cheesy sauce to the zesty Buffalo chicken, it’s the ultimate comfort food that delivers both flavor and heartiness in every bite.

So, what are you waiting for? Try making this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta for your next meal, and enjoy the perfect balance of spice, cheese, and chicken in one satisfying dish.