Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe for Any Occasion

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by Clara Harper

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Buffalo chicken pasta is a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of spicy and creamy flavors into one bowl of joy. Imagine twirling your fork around tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a luscious buffalo sauce, all resting on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it impossible to resist.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Dish
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This dish isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating memories. Picture this: you’ve invited friends over for game night, and the moment they take their first bite of your homemade buffalo chicken pasta, their eyes light up like they’ve just found the last piece of pizza at a party. You can’t help but feel like a culinary rockstar!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This buffalo chicken pasta recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it perfect even for novice cooks.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas will leave everyone craving more.
  • It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s game night or family dinner.
  • Best of all, it takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate!

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their delighted reactions were priceless as they devoured every last bite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust according to how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
  • Pasta: Choose your favorite kind; I love using penne for its perfect sauce-holding capabilities.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Go for your preferred brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; just ensure it’s spicy!
  • Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess; room temperature works best for easy mixing.
  • Shredded Cheese: Use cheddar or mozzarella for that gooey goodness; sprinkle generously on top!
  • Green Onions: These add freshness and color; chop them finely to garnish your dish.
  • Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken; choose extra virgin for added flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: A must-have spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.

For the seasoning:

  • Salt and Pepper: Always essential; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Cooking Space: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools—this makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your stove while you’re at it.

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before placing them in the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown and are no longer pink inside.

Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil water in another pot and add a pinch of salt before tossing in your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do.

Create the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and shred it using two forks while it’s still warm. Add cream cheese and buffalo sauce into the same skillet over low heat until melted together.

Toss It All Together : Drain your cooked pasta and add it into the skillet with shredded chicken and sauce mixture. Stir well until everything is beautifully coated with that fiery goodness.

Add Finishing Touches : Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color.

And there you have it! Your delicious buffalo chicken pasta awaits! Enjoy this dish with all its spicy creaminess—it’s bound to be a hit at any table!

You Must Know

  • Mastering buffalo chicken pasta is all about balancing flavors and textures.
  • The creamy sauce and spicy chicken create an irresistible combination that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
  • Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first, then sauté the chicken while preparing the creamy buffalo sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and flavorful when served.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor. You can also throw in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For a perfectly creamy sauce, avoid overheating after adding cheese; it can curdle.
  • When seasoning, taste as you go to balance flavors just right.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for speed without sacrificing flavor; your friends will thank you!

I remember the first time I made buffalo chicken pasta for my friends—there was laughter everywhere, and I ended up sharing my recipe with everyone at the table!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken in buffalo chicken pasta?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to your dish.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or rotini works best as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Can I make buffalo chicken pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store it properly and reheat as needed for busy nights.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Dish

Delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Buffalo chicken pasta is a creamy, spicy delight that brings comfort to your table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions (finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and preheat your stove.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  3. In another pot, boil salted water and cook penne according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain.
  4. Remove cooked chicken from skillet, shred while warm. In the same skillet, add cream cheese and buffalo sauce; stir on low heat until smooth.
  5. Add drained pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring until fully coated with sauce.
  6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

  • For added nutrition, consider incorporating sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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