If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even game day gatherings. The combination of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a zesty buffalo sauce creates a comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks.
Top Reasons to Make Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Quick and Simple: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The creamy buffalo sauce paired with cheesy goodness is an explosion of flavor that satisfies any craving.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Great for Leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
What to Buy
Before diving into cooking, make sure you gather the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (any shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly, softened)
- 3 tablespoons Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (I used Hidden Valley)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions (optional, for garnish)
Setup & Equipment
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools:
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: To combine the sauce and chicken.
- Mixing spoon: For stirring everything together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta — Do This Next
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cooked chicken and let it warm through.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the chicken. This will create a creamy base for your sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flavors
Pour in the Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. This is where the magic happens as the sauce transforms into a deliciously spicy mixture.
Step 5: Season It Up
Add the ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well integrated and heated through.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the buffalo sauce.
Step 7: Add Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and incorporated. This will give your Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta that extra layer of creaminess.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and serve immediately. If desired, garnish with chopped scallions for an added crunch and freshness.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your dish with these substitutions:
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Swap out the Frank’s Red Hot sauce for your favorite hot sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
- In place of ranch seasoning, try using Italian seasoning for a different twist.
- For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese.
Problems & Prevention
While making Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is generally straightforward, here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
- Too Dry: Ensure you add enough chicken broth to create a creamy sauce. If it seems dry, add more broth until the desired consistency is reached.
- Overcooked Pasta: Follow the package instructions closely and taste-test a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Cheese Clumping: Make sure to stir the cheese in while the sauce is still hot to help it melt evenly.
- Too Spicy: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of Frank’s Red Hot sauce or combine it with additional cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Shelf Life & Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
The Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the pasta from drying out. Microwave or reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Handy Q&A
Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time, then combine them right before serving. This dish can also be frozen; just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container. Reheat it slowly to maintain the creamy texture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While any shape will work, shorter pasta like penne or rotini tends to hold the sauce better, creating a more satisfying bite.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some cooked broccoli or spinach to add more nutrition and flavor. You could also sauté bell peppers or onions along with the chicken for extra depth.
Is there a vegetarian version of Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cream cheese can remain as is or be replaced with a plant-based alternative.
Before You Go
This Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making time and time again. Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy cooking and happy eating!
Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cooked chicken and let it warm through.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the chicken. This will create a creamy base for your sauce.
- Pour in the Frank's Red Hot Original Sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well integrated and heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the buffalo sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. If desired, garnish with chopped scallions for an added crunch and freshness.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Swap out Frank's Red Hot sauce for your favorite hot sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese.
