Oh my goodness, let me tell you about buffalo chicken pasta! This dish is an absolute flavor explosion, combining tender chicken with that spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and a luscious creamy texture that just wraps around every bite of penne. Trust me, when you take a forkful of this, you’re going to feel like you’ve hit the comfort food jackpot! It’s perfect for cozy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends—everyone loves it! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that will make you want to come back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious buffalo chicken pasta! It’s really straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. You’re going to love it!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in 8 oz of penne pasta. You want to cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which is typically about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick together! When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside while you whip up that scrumptious sauce.
Preparing the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in your 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and pour in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Stir everything together and let it warm through for about 3-4 minutes. Now, here’s the key: add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and blended smoothly with the chicken and sauce. This will create that creamy, dreamy sauce we all crave!
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and mix well, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in that rich sauce. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. The goal is that perfect creamy consistency that clings to every bite!
Final Touches
Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles and 1/4 cup of sliced green onions. This adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast! For a beautiful presentation, serve the buffalo chicken pasta hot, garnished with a few extra green onions on top. Trust me, your friends and family will be diving in before you can even set the table!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your buffalo chicken pasta, here are some handy tips! First, if you love heat, don’t hesitate to ramp up the spice by adding more buffalo sauce or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also play with different cheese blends—try pepper jack for a spicier twist or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey texture.
If you want to sneak in some veggies, bell peppers or spinach are fantastic additions; just sauté them with the chicken. For a healthier option, you could swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt—it’ll still be creamy but with a tangy twist! And remember, taste as you go—seasoning is key to balancing those rich flavors!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this creamy buffalo chicken pasta packs in approximately 600 calories, with 30g of fat and 35g of protein. You’ll also find about 55g of carbohydrates and 4g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious dish while being mindful of your nutritional goals!
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Pasta
There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on buffalo chicken pasta! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the chicken for shredded turkey or even sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist. You could also go completely vegetarian by using roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, which soak up all that delicious buffalo flavor.
For an extra crunch, toss in some diced bell peppers or sautéed zucchini when cooking the chicken. These veggies not only add color but also boost nutrition. And let’s not forget about the cheese! Instead of cheddar, why not experiment with gouda or pepper jack for a smoky or spicy kick? The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
To really complement your buffalo chicken pasta, I love serving it alongside a crisp, refreshing salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette does wonders to balance the rich flavors of the dish. You might also consider some crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side, perhaps with a little ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—perfect for that classic buffalo flavor pairing!
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, some garlic bread or warm, buttery rolls would make a delightful addition. They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
FAQ Section
Can I store leftovers? Absolutely! You can store any leftover buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra buffalo sauce to keep it creamy.
How can I adjust the spiciness? If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt to tone down the heat. Conversely, for those who love spice, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or even some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute for cream cheese, adding a nice tang. You could also use cottage cheese blended until smooth for a similar creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Definitely! While penne is my go-to, you can use any pasta you like—rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if that suits your needs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose!
Is this dish kid-friendly? Yes! The creamy texture and flavorful chicken make it a hit with kids. If your little ones are sensitive to spice, just dial back the buffalo sauce, and they’ll love it!
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Buffalo chicken pasta: 5 simple steps to delicious comfort!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and flavorful buffalo chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, all tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in blue cheese and green onions.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more buffalo sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, pasta recipes, buffalo sauce, creamy pasta
