There's nothing quite like the bold, tangy kick of buffalo sauce paired with the comforting creaminess of pasta. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a velvety sauce with just the right amount of spice.
I first discovered this dish while trying to satisfy my craving for buffalo wings and pasta in one meal. It quickly became a family favorite, blending the best of both worlds into a single, satisfying dinner. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try.
Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this bold and flavorful dish. Buffalo Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.
First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need something fast but still satisfying.
This dish is also endlessly customizable. Whether you like your buffalo sauce extra spicy or prefer a milder version, you can tweak the heat level to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies you already have on hand.
Finally, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The creamy, spicy sauce paired with tender pasta and juicy chicken is a winning combination that even picky eaters will enjoy. Serve it at a family dinner or bring it to a potluck—it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this recipe so special.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and texture.
Buffalo sauce is the star of this dish. Its tangy, spicy flavor is what gives the pasta its signature kick. You can use your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own for an extra personal touch.
Chicken is the protein base for this recipe. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully too.
Pasta serves as the hearty foundation of the dish. Short shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties work best, as their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce. Cook the pasta just until al dente for the perfect texture.
Cream cheese and heavy cream create the luscious sauce. These ingredients balance the spice of the buffalo sauce and make the dish irresistibly creamy. For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Cheddar cheese adds a melty, cheesy element that ties everything together. Sharp cheddar works well, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even a blend of your favorites.
Optional but recommended: a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top for that classic buffalo wing flavor.
Before you start cooking, make sure you have a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. These two tools are all you need to create this delicious dish.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta is straightforward and satisfying. Follow these simple steps for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook until fully done. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the buffalo sauce, stirring to combine it with the garlic. Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, letting everything meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions for a pop of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness.
Storage Options
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or milk over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the stovetop method yields the best results.
If you want to freeze this dish, skip the blue cheese topping and freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. The creamy buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with these plant-based options.
- Add extra veggies for a nutritional boost. Diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli work well and add a nice pop of color.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add more cream. You can also use a honey buffalo sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Turn up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce if you love extra spice.
- Swap out the pasta for a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
No matter how you customize it, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is sure to become a new favorite. So grab your skillet and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is loaded with creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. Made with simple ingredients like tender chicken, hot sauce, and pasta, it's the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup green onions (optional garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in Buffalo sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and combined.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well to coat evenly.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spice by increasing or reducing the Buffalo sauce.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a more wholesome meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1180mg
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