There’s nothing quite like the comforting kick of Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first whipped this up when I needed a quick, flavorful dinner after a long day. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite that gets requested again and again. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Prepare to meet your new favorite dinner recipe. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of heat – everything you love about buffalo wings in a satisfying pasta dish.
First, it’s a total timesaver. This recipe comes together in just 25-30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a hearty, homemade meal.
Next, it’s versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding spice lovers or adjusting the heat for little ones, this recipe can be customized to fit your family’s preferences.
Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. With affordable ingredients like chicken, pasta, and buffalo sauce, you can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy the bold flavors all week long. Ready to get started? Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a dish you’ll crave over and over. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken works best. It cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious buffalo flavor. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a great alternative.
- Pasta: Choose a shape that holds sauce well, like penne, rotini, or shells. These ridged varieties help capture every creamy bite.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the dish! Use your favorite brand, but I recommend one with a good balance of heat and tang. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These two create the luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Cheddar Cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar adds a melty, cheesy layer of comfort to this dish. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (optional): For serving, these classic buffalo accompaniments add a cooling contrast to the heat.
Lastly, you’ll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a whisk for the sauce.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Pour in the buffalo sauce and whisk until combined. Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a silky, cohesive sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color. Serve with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The creamy buffalo sauce clings to every bite of pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? No problem! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it later.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: While the sauce may lose a bit of its creamy texture after freezing, you can still freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to put your own spin on it! Here are some ideas:
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
- Cheese Lovers: Try using a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby, for a richer flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
Experiment and make this recipe your own – it’s hard to go wrong when buffalo sauce is involved!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe! A creamy and spicy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, rich buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb 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 shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in buffalo sauce and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
- Gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot buffalo sauce.
- For extra creaminess, add more cheese or a splash of milk.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a classic Buffalo-style experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
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