There's nothing quite like the bold, tangy flavor of Buffalo Chicken Pasta to turn a regular dinner into a culinary celebration. This creamy, spicy dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious Buffalo sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The first time I made this dish, it was a game-changer for my family. Inspired by our love for Buffalo wings, I wanted to recreate that addictive flavor in a comforting pasta dish. Now, it’s our go-to recipe for game nights and quick weeknight dinners.
Let’s dive in and explore why this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to become your favorite recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and savory. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up any night of the week.
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when time is short but flavor is a must.
- Budget-friendly: Using simple pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and hot sauce, you can create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Customizable heat levels: Whether you like it fiery or mildly tangy, you can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love this dish. The creamy sauce balances out the heat, making it enjoyable for all ages.
With this combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Pasta: I recommend short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe, but thighs work well too. For an even quicker option, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Buffalo sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, for an authentic Buffalo flavor.
- Cream cheese: This adds richness and helps mellow out the heat from the Buffalo sauce, creating a perfectly balanced creamy base.
- Cheddar cheese: A generous handful of shredded cheddar adds a cheesy touch that ties the dish together.
- Optional garnishes: Green onions and crumbled blue cheese are perfect for adding a fresh, tangy finish.
Special equipment isn’t required for this recipe, but a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you’ll need.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is as easy as it is delicious. Let’s break it down step by step.
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and a splash of chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or even a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce for added flair.
From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 25–30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Storage Options
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save it for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta to restore its creamy consistency. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, or even shrimp for a new twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or chickpeas for a meat-free option.
- Adjust the heat: For a milder version, use less Buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing. If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers for a burst of color and added nutrients.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless!
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness every time. Enjoy!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy pasta, and zesty buffalo sauce for a bold, delicious meal. Perfect for dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or ranch drizzle
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the buffalo sauce and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, blue cheese, or ranch drizzle, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity for more or less heat.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook chicken breast ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
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