Buffalo Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Bold and comforting pasta with tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese finished with tangy blue cheese crumbs.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces 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 crumbled blue cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, optional

# How To Make:

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 reaches a creamy consistency.
04 - Stir in mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
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 throughout.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives or green onions if desired.
08 - Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It delivers that bold buffalo wing flavor without the mess of sauce all over your fingers and face.
  • The creamy cheese base tames the heat just enough to keep you coming back for another forkful.
  • It comes together in about half an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight craving.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and somehow taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Always soften the cream cheese before adding it or you'll end up chasing lumps around the pan with your whisk.
  • Don't skip tasting the sauce before adding the chicken and pasta, because buffalo sauces vary wildly in heat and salt levels.
  • If you reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky texture.
03 -
  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, it's liquid gold for adjusting the sauce consistency at the end.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to cut your prep time in half and add a little extra seasoning from the store bought bird.
  • For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce right before serving.
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