Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy (Printable Version)

Creamy pasta mixed with spicy Buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese for a quick, indulgent dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Sauce

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
06 - 7 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1/2 cup milk
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

→ Garnish

14 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Add Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and beginning to thicken, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Add mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the sauce. Stir until both are fully melted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
05 - Fold in shredded or diced cooked chicken along with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is warmed through.
06 - Transfer drained pasta into the skillet. Toss well until pasta is evenly coated with the Buffalo cream sauce.
07 - Remove the pan from heat. Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley before serving immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in under forty minutes so it fits busy nights perfectly
  • Only one pot and one skillet to wash
  • Makes great use of leftover or rotisserie chicken
  • Saucy cheesy and spicy for maximum comfort
  • Always a hit at game-day gatherings or family dinners
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to chicken and cheese
  • A complete meal in one pan no baking required
  • Buffalo sauce mellows in the cheese for balanced heat
03 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheese to guarantee a creamy melt Pre-shredded blends can make sauces grainy
  • Always simmer the sauce on low and whisk frequently to avoid lumps Do not skip the step of sautéing garlic in butter as it provides the flavor backbone of the entire dish