Buffalo Chicken Pasta ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta; 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); ¼ cup hot sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 pound cooked shredded chicken; fresh parsley (optional garnish); crumbled blue cheese (optional garnish)

This buffalo chicken pasta is creamy, hearty, spicy, and savory! Get dinner on the table quickly and easily with this 20 minute meal. It tastes like buffalo chicken dip with pasta and the creamiest sauce!

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This buffalo chicken pasta is creamy, a little spicy, and so cozy! This easy dinner comes together in under 15 minutes. The combination of pasta and chicken will leave you full and satisfied. This homemade dinner recipe is great for the whole family. Both kids and adults enjoy it. Dinner has never been so quick and easy. Check out this Easy Pollo Asado for another quick recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buffalo chicken pasta recipe takes only 15 minutes.
It is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Great for the whole family! Kids and adults love it.
Even picky eaters and children enjoy this recipe.
No need to even turn on the oven! Everything is made on the stovetop.
This pasta dish is great for family dinners, entertainment, and meal prep.
Serve for game day along with buffalo chicken wings or a casserole!
The sauce becomes so smooth and creamy.
It contains no added sugar.
This recipe can be easily made gluten-free or with veggie noodles.
Check out this Hamburger Helper or this Blackened Chicken for another delicious family dinner!

Ingredients & Substitutes

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the full buffalo chicken pasta recipe.

Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package directions. For gluten-free, feel free to use chickpea penne. Or use cooked spaghetti squash for a healthy low-carb Paleo option.

Use softened room-temperature cream cheese. It is much easier to mix with the sauce. If you forget to soften the cream cheese, place the package under hot water for a few minutes. This helps soften the cream cheese quickly.

Hot sauce adds some spice and heat! It provides the classic buffalo flavor. Be sure to look for hot sauce with no added sugar.

Chicken broth helps thin out the sauce. Double check the ingredient label for added sugars or additives.

Minced garlic balances out the heat and adds a garlicky flavor. Garlic and chicken go well together.

Sea salt and pepper add a subtle flavor.

Use shredded or pulled chicken. Rotisserie chicken may be used but often contains added oils or preservatives. Use leftovers from this Crock Pot Whole Chicken or Roasted Chicken. For a quick option, try Air Fried Chicken.

Garnish with fresh parsley and blue cheese crumbles if desired.

Taste & Texture

This buffalo chicken pasta is a little spicy! It takes like buffalo chicken wings with pasta. It is hearty, savory, and flavorful.

The pasta is deliciously soft but not mushy. The sauce is smooth and creamy! Top with some crumbled blue cheese for even more creaminess and a cheesy flavor.

How to Make

Step 1

First, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add cream cheese, hot sauce, and chicken broth. Cook until smooth and creamy, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Then, add in minced garlic, sea salt, pepper, and shredded chicken. Stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes on low heat.

Step 4

Add in the cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Cook for 3 minutes on low heat. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Step 5

Finally, remove from the heat. Top with chopped green onions and blue cheese if desired. Serve!

Expert Tips for Success

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Do not cook too long.

Use room-temperature cream cheese. Place on the kitchen counter about an hour before cooking.

If you forget or do not have time, run the package of cream cheese under hot water for a few minutes. It will become soft.

For a milder flavor, use less hot sauce or more cream cheese.

Fully stir in the pasta until fully coated.

For added flavor, add chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese on top!

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

There are several ways to switch up the flavors of this buffalo chicken pasta.

For a spicier flavor, use more hot sauce.

Use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken.

Ground turkey is a great option as well!

For a more creamy texture, use 1 or 2 ounces more cream cheese.

Add in some onion powder for a delicious flavor.

How to Serve & Store

Serve buffalo chicken pasta hot and fresh! It is best served immediately.

Serve with a side salad, whole wheat bread, or whole wheat garlic bread.

For another creamy chicken pasta dish, make this One Pot Chicken Cajun Pasta!

It can also be enjoyed by itself. Top with Ranch dressing for a creamy texture.

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Add leftovers and chicken broth to a warm skillet. Cook until warm to reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a good side for buffalo chicken?

Buffalo chicken is loaded with flavor. Therefore, choose a more mild side dish. Salad goes well with buffalo chicken.

What goes well with buffalo wing sauce?

Buffalo wing sauce is great on chicken breasts, thighs, wings, and on potatoes.

How do you reheat this dish?

To reheat, add leftovers to a skillet over low medium heat. Add some chicken broth. Cook for a few minutes, until warm.

Can I make this recipe with gluten-free noodles?

Sure! Use chickpea noodles or veggie noodles. If using zucchini noodles, cook them only a few minutes to prevent mushiness. Check out this Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta!

How spicy is this dish?

This pasta with buffalo chicken is medium. It is not overly spicy, but it does have some heat.

Equipment Needed

Wooden Spoon: Mix the chicken and sauce with a wooden spoon.

Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this recipe.

Strainer: Strain the pasta with this durable colander.

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