Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and zesty buffalo flavor make this dish a family favorite every time.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy pasta recipe comes together quickly and satisfies cravings for something hearty, spicy, and absolutely delicious.
What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Penne Pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully and gives each bite a satisfying chew.
- Cream Cheese – Creates the rich, smooth base that tames the buffalo heat with luscious creaminess.
- Hot Sauce – Brings the iconic buffalo kick and bold flavor that makes this pasta irresistible.
- Chicken Broth – Thins the sauce slightly while adding savory depth to every forkful.
- Shredded Chicken – Makes the pasta hearty and protein-packed, perfect for a complete meal.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Boil the penne until tender, then drain and set aside. In a skillet, melt cream cheese with hot sauce and chicken broth until smooth. Season with garlic, salt, and pepper, then stir in the shredded chicken.
Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing gently until every piece is coated in creamy buffalo goodness. Let everything warm through on low heat for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips & Tasty Twists for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
For an extra flavor boost, use rotisserie chicken—it’s juicy and already seasoned. If you like it extra spicy, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer it milder? Use less hot sauce and add a splash of ranch dressing to mellow the heat.
Swap penne for your favorite pasta shape—rotini, shells, or bow ties all work well. For a dairy-free version, choose a plant-based cream cheese and check your hot sauce for hidden dairy.
Storing & Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pasta Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta makes the perfect next-day lunch, just as tasty as when it’s freshly made—maybe even better!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 8 ounces penne pasta regular or gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese dairy or non-dairy
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the penne according to the instructions on its packaging. Drain the pasta and set it aside once cooked. In a broad skillet set over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, hot sauce, and chicken broth. Stir gently and allow the mixture to melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Incorporate the minced garlic, sea salt, ground pepper, and shredded chicken into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld, and let it simmer on low for about 2 minutes. Fold the cooked penne into the sauce and stir until the pasta is well-coated and heated through, about 3 minutes on low. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then remove from heat.
