Buffalo Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Bold pasta dish with shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese topped with blue cheese crumbles.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

→ Sauce

03 - 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Topping

12 - 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, optional

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine.
03 - Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce is creamy.
04 - Stir in mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted.
05 - Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until well coated and heated through.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives or green onions if desired.
08 - Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers all the heat and satisfaction of buffalo wings without the mess or the bones.
  • The creamy cheese sauce balances the spice in a way that feels indulgent but not heavy.
  • It comes together in about half an hour, making it perfect for weeknight cravings.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Soften the cream cheese completely before adding it, or you will end up with stubborn lumps that refuse to disappear.
  • Do not skip salting the pasta water generously, it is the only chance to season the noodles themselves.
  • If the sauce breaks or looks greasy, whisk in a tablespoon of pasta water and it will come back together.
  • Taste the buffalo sauce straight from the bottle before you start, some brands are much hotter or saltier than others.
03 -
  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, it is liquid gold for adjusting the sauce consistency at the end.
  • Use kitchen shears to cut the cooked chicken into bite sized shreds right in the pan, it is faster and less messy than a cutting board.
  • If you love extra tang, stir a tablespoon of sour cream into the sauce just before adding the chicken.
  • For a smoky twist, add a pinch of chipotle powder along with the smoked paprika.
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