Description
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish that perfectly combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with a rich and comforting creamy pasta base. Featuring tender chicken, aromatic garlic and onion, and gooey melted cheese, this one-pot meal delivers bold and balanced flavors that satisfy every craving. Ideal for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing dinners, this versatile recipe is customizable for different heat levels and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
Sauces & Dairy
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to retain the perfect texture for saucing later.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, enhancing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Mix in Buffalo Sauce and Cream: Pour in the buffalo sauce and heavy cream or cream cheese, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture turns into a smooth, creamy sauce that evenly coats the chicken.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the sauce and chicken. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the warm pasta for a rich, gooey finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help sauces blend smoothly.
- Cook pasta al dente for better texture and sauce adhesion.
- Gradually add buffalo sauce and taste to control spice levels.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add cheese at the end to maintain creamy richness without greasiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg