Buffalo Chicken Pasta (Creamy, Spicy & Comforting)

If you love buffalo chicken and you love pasta, this recipe is going to feel like the best of both worlds. Buffalo Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you go back for seconds without even thinking twice.

This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese into one cozy bowl of comfort. It’s bold like buffalo wings, but smooth and rich like a classic pasta dish. And the best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something indulgent, this buffalo chicken pasta recipe hits every note.

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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s practical, flexible, and loved by everyone who tries it.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Creamy without being too heavy
• Spicy but easy to adjust
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for leftovers

If buffalo chicken dip had a dinner version, this would be it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe is easy to find and easy to work with.

🍗 Protein

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

🍝 Pasta

• Penne, rotini, or rigatoni pasta
  These shapes hold the sauce really well.

🧀 Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Buffalo wing sauce
• Ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if you prefer)
• Heavy cream or milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

🌿 Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Extra buffalo sauce drizzle

Tip: Always soften the cream cheese first for a smooth sauce.

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How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)

This recipe comes together easily, even if you’re not an experienced cook.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Key point: Don’t overcook the pasta it will soften more when mixed with the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add:

• Cream cheese
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Heavy cream or milk

Stir gently until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy orange sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes rich and cheesy.

Bold tip: Low heat is important here high heat can break the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Serve hot and garnish with green onions or parsley. Add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you like more heat.

Best Pasta Types for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Not all pasta shapes work the same. These are the best options:

• Penne – classic and sturdy
• Rotini – holds sauce in every twist
• Rigatoni – perfect for extra cheesy bites
• Fusilli – great texture

Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti it doesn’t hold the sauce well.

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Easy Variations You Can Try

Once you love the base recipe, switch it up!

🔥 Extra Spicy Version

Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

🧀 Ultra Creamy Version

Add more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

🥦 Veggie Boost

Stir in:

• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Spinach

🥗 Lighter Option

Use:

• Light cream cheese
• Reduced-fat ranch
• Whole wheat pasta

Smart trick: This recipe is very forgiving adjust it to your taste.

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What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This dish is rich, so lighter sides work best.

• Garlic bread
• Side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
• Steamed vegetables
• Roasted asparagus

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Storage & Reheating Tips

🧊 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating

Reheat on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.

Important: Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using high heat for the sauce – causes separation
• Too much buffalo sauce at once – balance is key
• Overcooked pasta – becomes mushy
• Skipping seasoning on chicken – flavor starts there

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that brings big flavor with very little effort. It has the bold kick of buffalo sauce, the creamy comfort of a cheesy pasta, and the satisfying bite of tender chicken all in one bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or just to satisfy a comfort food craving, this dish never disappoints.

The best part is how easy it is to make your own. You can turn up the heat, make it extra creamy, or add vegetables to suit your taste. No matter how you customize it, the result is always cozy, filling, and full of flavor.

If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken and love simple, comforting meals, this pasta recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Save it, share it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table.

Also read on Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip