Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a spicy and creamy comfort food that combines tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is an exciting twist on classic pasta recipes, offering bold flavors and a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is all about bold flavors and creamy textures. Enjoy the tangy heat of buffalo sauce combined with the richness of a creamy pasta sauce, topped with tender, juicy chicken. It’s quick to make and irresistibly delicious!
- Combines comfort food with bold, spicy flavors.
- Simple ingredients that pack a punch.
- Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Medium skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, and salt until well-coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and buffalo sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the buffalo sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or crumbled blue cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately with ranch or additional buffalo sauce on the side.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a spicy and creamy comfort food that combines tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is an exciting twist on classic pasta recipes, offering bold flavors and a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, and salt until well-coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and buffalo sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the buffalo sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or crumbled blue cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately with ranch or additional buffalo sauce on the side.
Tips for Cooking
- Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce for the perfect heat level.
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with bold flavors, has a creamy texture, and offers just the right amount of heat. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or anytime you crave something indulgent yet easy to make.
Spice up your dinner plans with this flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for buffalo sauce lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. Try it tonight and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
