Bursting with flavor and creamy, spicy goodness, Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a true showstopper for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Imagine the bold heat of your favorite buffalo sauce, tender, juicy chicken, and a luscious cheese sauce all wrapped around perfectly cooked penne pasta, finished with a cheeky hint of blue cheese tang. This dish is satisfyingly hearty yet quick to prepare, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser for both pasta lovers and buffalo wing fanatics alike. Every bite is a lively balance of richness, zest, and comfort, making Buffalo Chicken Pasta a go-to recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta couldn’t be simpler! Each one brings a distinct flavor, texture, or creaminess to the table, working together to build irresistible layers of taste and a just-right kick of spice. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make every element shine:

Chicken breast: Use a large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb) for tender shredded meat that soaks up all the saucy flavors.
Blue cheese dressing: Delivers creamy tang and classic buffalo vibes; swap for ranch if that’s your style.
Butter (divided): Adds rich, glossy texture to veggies and rounds out the heat of the sauce beautifully.
Yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that builds a sturdy flavor base.
Celery: Classic buffalo partner, its crunch and freshness brighten up the saucy pasta.
Garlic: Three cloves is just right for a fragrance that truly permeates every bite.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Their acidity and juice help balance richness while giving color and body to the dish.
Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and plenty of liquid to cook the pasta perfectly in one pan.
Penne pasta: One pound of penne gives the sauce plenty of nooks to cling to and holds up well to lots of stirring.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show; choose your favorite brand for the signature spicy edge.
Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, it makes the sauce extra silky and mellow, taming the heat a touch.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Melty sharpness boosts flavor and adds to that irresistible cheese pull.
Mozzarella (shredded): Offers gooey stretch and a mild, creamy finish to round out the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love an extra burst of fire; sprinkle to taste.
Cold butter (optional): Swirl in just a dab at the end for a glossy, chef-style finish that feels downright luxurious.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Gently Boil and Shred the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breast in a pot of water. Bring it to a gentle boil; this slow approach ensures the meat stays juicy and won’t get tough (no rubbery chicken here!). Cook for about 15 minutes, then remove and shred with two forks. Immediately toss the warm shredded chicken with that gloriously creamy blue cheese (or ranch) dressing. This step infuses it with so much flavor, so every strand of chicken picks up that tangy, herby kick. If you want, add a bouillon cube or two to the water for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and celery, and let them cook down for about five minutes. The goal is to soften them up and coax out their sweet, savory aromas. Drop in the minced garlic for the last minute, stirring until fragrant. This trio gives Buffalo Chicken Pasta its classic, savory backbone!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Now, pour the undrained can of diced tomatoes and the chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then add your penne pasta. Give it a quick stir so the pasta is submerged, then cover and let it gently boil for 10 to 13 minutes. You want the pasta just al dente, since it will keep cooking in the sauce later. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check a noodle for doneness before moving on.

Step 4: Make That Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and all those glorious cheeses. At first, the sauce may look a little thin, but patience is key here! Gently mix everything with a silicone spatula and watch it turn beautifully creamy as the cheese melts. The sauce will thicken up as it stands, so don’t fret if it seems a bit runny at this stage.

Step 5: Bring it Together

Toss in your shredded chicken and, if you crave an extra spicy punch, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fold everything together until the chicken is fully coated and the pasta is gleaming with cheesy, spicy sauce. For an ultra-silky finish, swirl in a couple of tablespoons of cold butter just before serving. This chef’s trick gives the sauce a glossy, restaurant-worthy sheen!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Give your Buffalo Chicken Pasta a restaurant-style finish with a few simple garnishes. Freshly sliced green onions add vibrant color and crunch, while a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles boosts the tangy, bold flavor. If you want another pop of freshness, try a scatter of chopped parsley or just a dusting of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is delicious on its own, but Buffalo Chicken Pasta also plays well with simple sides. Think crisp, cool celery sticks or a light carrot salad to echo the classic buffalo pairing. A fresh green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing balances out the heat beautifully, and some warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for mopping up that extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation! Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta in individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party, or spoon it into a big cast iron skillet right on the table for family-style feasting. For game-day vibes, try serving it as a pasta bake, topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. You can even stuff leftovers into hollowed-out bell peppers or pile onto slider buns for an over-the-top lunch or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld over time, making each reheated bowl just as crave-worthy as the first bite.

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? Go right ahead! Portion the cooled Buffalo Chicken Pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will stay tasty for up to two months. For best results, avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will soften more after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency, then heat gently until hot and bubbly. Stir often and avoid high heat, which can break the sauce. Top with fresh garnishes after reheating to revive the flavors!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling my own?

Yes, absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it, toss with your blue cheese or ranch dressing, and proceed with the recipe as written. It’s a speedy option that still soaks up all the buffalo goodness.

Is it possible to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta less spicy?

Of course—just dial back the amount of buffalo sauce or skip the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also use a mild buffalo sauce for all the flavor with less fire, or add an extra dollop of cream cheese to mellow things out.

What can I use instead of penne pasta?

Penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to match the pasta you choose.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Definitely! Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a great make-ahead dish. Prep everything up to the final step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep things creamy.

Does this recipe work as a pasta bake?

It sure does! After mixing everything together, pour into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden. The top gets deliciously melty, perfect for serving at potlucks or game-night get-togethers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meal that’s comforting, bold, and guaranteed to wow anyone at the table, you simply have to try Buffalo Chicken Pasta. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and brings everyone together over a bowl of creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness. Give it a whirl and make it your own—I promise, this is one new favorite you’ll want on repeat!