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To make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a tasty dish. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Crumbled blue cheese (optional, for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a creamy, spicy, and comforting meal. The penne pasta provides a great base, while the chicken adds protein and flavor. The buffalo sauce gives it a nice kick, and the creams and cheese make it rich and smooth. I love using fresh green onions for garnish. They add a nice crunch and color. If you enjoy blue cheese, sprinkle some on top for extra flavor. With these ingredients, you will create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Remember, slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the sauce better later. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season 1 pound of diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Stir the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked. This step is key for juicy chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, pour in 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Stir it well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This sauce will bring everything together. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly. Make sure every piece of pasta gets wrapped in that delicious sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if you like it spicier. For garnishing, chop 1/4 cup of green onions and sprinkle them on top. You can also add crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor. Serve it warm, and enjoy this comforting meal! To get a smooth texture in your sauce, stir the heavy cream slowly. Mix it with the buffalo sauce and cheeses over low heat. This helps the cheese melt evenly. I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the spices in buffalo sauce. To prevent mushy pasta, cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Be sure to drain the pasta well after cooking. Rinsing it briefly under cold water can help stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from sticking. You can substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you want more heat, try adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. These spices add a nice kick to the dish. You can also mix in different cheeses, like pepper jack, for a fun twist on flavor. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook the penne pasta just until al dente. This way, it will hold up well when mixed with the sauce and not become mushy. Choose Your Buffalo Sauce Wisely: The flavor of the dish heavily depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Opt for a high-quality sauce for the best taste or make your own for a personalized kick! Stir Continuously: When adding the cheeses and cream to the skillet, stir continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps. Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, use less buffalo sauce or mix in some ranch dressing. For more heat, add extra sauce or include some red pepper flakes. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with chicken. Try using rotisserie chicken for quick meals. Just shred it and mix it into the sauce. You save time without losing flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, turkey works great too. Simply replace the chicken breast with diced turkey. For a plant-based choice, tofu is an excellent substitute. Use firm tofu, press out the moisture, and sauté it in the skillet. Want a milder sauce? Just use less buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some ranch dressing for a creamy twist. If you love heat, add more spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices can enhance the flavor without changing the base of the dish. Try adding some garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free penne pasta. It cooks well and has a nice texture. Whole grain pasta is another great choice. It adds fiber and nutrients to your dish. You can also try zoodles, which are zucchini noodles. They are low-carb and absorb the sauce nicely. Each option gives you a unique flavor and texture. To keep your creamy buffalo chicken pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Glass containers work well as they do not absorb odors. Let the pasta cool before sealing it, and label the container with the date. This way, you can easily track how long it has been stored. You can freeze creamy buffalo chicken pasta if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore its creaminess. In the fridge, creamy buffalo chicken pasta lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold. If it looks or smells strange, it is best to throw it away. Yes, you can use other pasta types. I often use fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well. You could also try whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. This dish has a nice kick from the buffalo sauce. To make it milder, use less sauce. You can also mix in some cream or cheese to tone it down. If you love heat, add more buffalo sauce for a stronger flavor. Yes, you can make it ahead. Prepare the dish, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream if it seems dry. Many sides pair well with this dish. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is another great choice. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy balance. You now have a complete guide to making creamy buffalo chicken pasta. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. Remember, you can swap ingredients for your taste and dietary needs. This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored easily. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed sharing these tips. Your creamy buffalo chicken pasta will surely impress a crowd!

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with spicy buffalo chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • optional crumbled blue cheese (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy buffalo sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if desired.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if using.

Notes

Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat.
Keyword buffalo sauce, chicken, creamy, pasta