Buffalo Chicken Pasta Perfection
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy delight, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for game day. Combining tender chicken, a homemade buffalo sauce, and your favorite pasta, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- 9x13 inch baking dish (optional)
- Oven (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup hot sauce or more, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped green onions, for garnish optional
- Blue cheese crumbles, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure no pink remains inside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- If baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. Taste and adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired spice level. Al dente pasta is crucial to prevent a mushy texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of milk to prevent drying out. For added flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon or experimenting with different cheeses like pepper jack.