Buffalo Chicken Pasta
A creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta that's easy to prepare and perfect for any dinner occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Large skillet for sauce
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz. pasta penne or rotini
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Chopped celery for crunch
- Blue cheese crumbles for extra tang
- Diced tomatoes for freshness
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and ranch dressing. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with optional toppings like green onions or blue cheese crumbles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Pro Tips: Choose the right pasta shape to hold the sauce well. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of buffalo sauce. For a creamier texture, add more cheese or cream cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions: Greek yogurt can replace ranch dressing for more tang.
How to Serve: Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store separately until ready to mix with pasta.
Ingredient Substitutions: Greek yogurt can replace ranch dressing for more tang.
How to Serve: Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store separately until ready to mix with pasta.