Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This hearty buffalo chicken pasta has become my go-to dinner solution when I'm craving comfort food with a kick. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the spicy buffalo flavor, creating a dish that satisfies every time.

I first created this pasta during a game day gathering when I wanted something more substantial than traditional buffalo wings. It was such a hit that my family now requests it nearly every week, especially during football season when we crave those classic buffalo flavors.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast provides lean protein and shreds beautifully for even distribution throughout the pasta
• Buffalo sauce delivers that signature tangy heat look for a quality brand with balanced flavor
• Cream cheese creates the luxuriously smooth texture that coats every piece of pasta
• Blue cheese dressing adds authentic buffalo flavor profile choose a chunky variety for texture contrast
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses combine for the perfect melt and flavor block cheese will yield the creamiest results
• Diced tomatoes add acidity that balances the rich sauce use fire roasted for extra depth
• Celery provides traditional buffalo wing accompaniment flavor and pleasant crunch
• Yellow onion creates an aromatic base that enhances all other flavors
• Penne pasta perfectly captures the sauce in its ridges and hollow center
• Chicken broth infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks use low sodium if watching salt intake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients

Set out cream cheese and shredded cheeses at least 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. This ensures they melt smoothly without breaking the sauce. Dice onions and celery uniformly for even cooking. Measure remaining ingredients and have them ready beside your cooking area.

Gently Boil and Shred Chicken

Place chicken breast in a pot of cold water and bring to a gentle simmer not a rolling boil. Cook for exactly 15 minutes until just cooked through. The gentle cooking prevents the chicken from becoming tough and dry. Remove carefully and let cool slightly before shredding with two forks using a pulling motion. Toss immediately with blue cheese dressing which keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Create Aromatic Base

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large high walled skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery cooking for a full 5 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. This develops their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic during the final minute only as it burns quickly. You should smell the fragrant aroma releasing.

Cook Pasta Directly In Sauce

Add undrained diced tomatoes and all four cups of chicken broth to the skillet bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Add dry penne pasta ensuring all pieces are submerged. Allow the liquid to return to a boil before covering. Cook for exactly the time recommended on the pasta box for al dente texture about 10 to 13 minutes. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking focusing on the bottom of the pan.

Create The Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Reduce heat to low before adding buffalo sauce cream cheese and shredded cheeses. The low temperature is crucial to prevent the dairy from separating. Gently fold ingredients together until completely melted. The sauce will appear thin initially but will continue to thicken as it stands. Be patient during this process.

Incorporate Chicken And Finish

Add the blue cheese coated shredded chicken and optional red pepper flakes folding gently to distribute evenly throughout the pasta. For professional restaurant quality finish add two tablespoons of cold butter at the very end swirling it into the warm sauce. This creates a glossy silky texture that elevates the entire dish.

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My absolute favorite component is the combination of buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing tossed with the freshly shredded chicken. This technique ensures the chicken stays moist while absorbing those classic buffalo wing flavors. I discovered this method after years of making dry buffalo chicken dishes, and it transformed my cooking.

Storage And Reheating

Store leftover buffalo chicken pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. Warm gently over medium-low heat in a covered skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works too but use 50% power and stir halfway through for even heating. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator, making this an excellent make ahead meal.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly when you need a time saver simply shred 2.5 cups and proceed with the recipe. For a lighter version, substitute Neufchâtel cheese for the cream cheese and use reduced fat cheddar. If blue cheese isn't your preference, ranch dressing creates an equally delicious but milder flavor profile. Gluten free pasta can be substituted but watch cooking time carefully as it often cooks faster than traditional pasta. For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers or spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This buffalo chicken pasta shines as a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Serve with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Warm garlic bread or breadsticks provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce. For casual gatherings, serve in shallow bowls topped with thinly sliced green onions and a drizzle of additional buffalo sauce for those who enjoy extra heat. This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp lager or cold glass of rosé to complement the spicy creaminess.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Yes! This dish works perfectly with 2.5 cups of rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred it, toss with blue cheese dressing, and add it toward the end of cooking as directed in the recipe.

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat level, use less buffalo sauce (start with 1/4 cup) and omit the red pepper flakes. You can also substitute ranch dressing for the blue cheese dressing for a milder flavor profile.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great for catching the sauce, you can substitute any medium-sized pasta like rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

→ Why is my sauce grainy instead of smooth?

A grainy sauce typically happens when cheese is added over too high heat, causing the dairy to separate. Always reduce to low heat before adding cheese, ensure cream cheese is fully softened, and consider using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the smoothest results.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth as the pasta will absorb sauce while refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

→ What sides pair well with buffalo chicken pasta?

This hearty dish works beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. The cool crispness of a side salad particularly complements the creamy, spicy pasta.