Indulge your taste buds with this delightful fusion of flavors in our Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. This creamy, spicy dish marries two American favorites, buffalo chicken and pasta, for a meal that's sure to impress.
Laden with succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a tantalizing buffalo sauce, it is harmoniously balanced by the soothing presence of pasta. Each bite is a perfect blend of the fiery heat of buffalo chicken and the soothing comfort of cheesy pasta.
Whether you're preparing for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or simply need a meal that satisfies, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe will serve up smiles all around.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The first great thing about this recipe is its utter simplicity. This dish manages to be richly flavorful without the need for any complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The use of buffalo sauce brings a unique, tangy heat that you just can't find with other types of hot sauce. Its distinctive flavor profile compliments the chicken perfectly, and when combined with the creamy cheese, it creates a balance that is incredibly satisfying. Plus, the whole thing can be on your table in less than an hour, making it a fantastic choice for quick and easy weeknight dinners.
Additionally, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is highly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs without losing its core appeal. Want it a little spicier? Add more buffalo sauce. Prefer a creamier pasta? Go heavy on the cheese. And if you want to add a bit of healthiness, throw in your favorite veggies. This recipe is also great for using leftover chicken, making it an economical option that reduces food waste. This flexibility allows you to make the dish truly your own while still providing the comforting and fiery punch that makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta so enjoyable.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast- Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it the perfect choice for this dish. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Buffalo Sauce–buffalo sauce will give a bold, spicy kick. You can adjust to your liking. If you don't have buffalo sauce, a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter can be used instead.
Pasta- Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine would work well in this recipe. Gluten-free pasta can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Cream Cheese-cream cheese will provide a creamy, tangy flavor and help thicken the sauce. You could also use heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Blue Cheese Crumbles-blue cheese will give a pungent, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with buffalo sauce. If you're not a fan, you can substitute with grated Parmesan or mozzarella.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce if needed.
- Use a large, deep skillet for cooking, as the sauce can bubble and splatter.
- Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the sauce, preventing it from getting mushy.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, as the sauce can thicken over time.
How to Serve
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a deliciously spicy and tangy dish that offers a delightful fusion of flavors. It's great served hot straight from the skillet, with its creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. For an added touch, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley or extra cheese before serving.
- Serve this pasta with a fresh, crisp garden salad to counterbalance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Pair with a side of crusty garlic bread, which can be used to scoop up any remaining sauce.
- Complement the meal with a glass of cool, crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which can help to cool down the palate.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the buffalo sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined with the buffalo sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the pasta and stir gently until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce if needed.
- Use a large, deep skillet for cooking, as the sauce can bubble and splatter.
- Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the sauce, preventing it from getting mushy.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, as the sauce can thicken over time.