Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

There’s something wonderfully comforting about pasta dishes, isn’t there? They have this uncanny ability to wrap you in a warm embrace after a long day, and when you throw in zesty buffalo chicken, well, that’s just the cherry on top! This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a joyous celebration of flavors that feels like a hug from your favorite friend. I first stumbled upon this dish during a potluck, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory notes just dances on the palate, making it an instant classic at our table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine your taste buds embarking on a wild ride! The creaminess enveloping tender rigatoni, the delighted surprise of heat from the buffalo sauce, and the succulent chunks of shredded chicken come together like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. It’s easy to whip up, whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night as a solo chef. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly adaptable. Leftovers? Great for lunch! Want to make it vegetarian? You can easily substitute with sautéed mushrooms or grilled veggies! It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering. Plus, the added bonus? You get to customize the heat level just to your taste—whether you want to play it cool or bring on the spice, the choice is yours!

Gather These Ingredients

Now, let’s get our ingredients ready. You won’t regret it!

• Rigatoni (16 ounces): The star of the show! These ridged tubes are perfect for holding onto that creamy, rich sauce. You could go for penne or farfalle too if that’s what you have on hand.

• Butter (4 tablespoons): The luscious base for your sauce. It adds incredible richness and depth. Don’t skimp on this; it’s essential!

• Heavy cream (2 cups): This is where the magic happens! It transforms your sauce from ordinary to luxuriously creamy. No substitutes here for the best experience, although you could use half-and-half in a pinch.

• Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup, Frank’s RedHot recommended): The fiery spark that gives this dish its exciting kick. Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance!

• Onion powder (1 teaspoon) & Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): These little flavor bombs add depth without the hassle of chopping. They help round out the sauce and bring it all together.

• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): This gives a nice color and subtle smoky flavor. If you have smoked paprika, that works wonders too—just a hint of that smokiness is perfection.

• Shredded mild cheddar cheese (4 ounces): Melty, gooey goodness in every bite! You can swap in pepper jack cheese for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Shredded rotisserie chicken (2 cups): Time-saver extraordinaire! The tender, juicy chicken adds protein to make this a hearty dish.

• Thinly sliced green onion & crumbled blue cheese: Both for that fresh, flavorful garnish that elevates the dish to restaurant quality. Feel free to skip the blue cheese if it’s not your vibe; you could also try feta for a milder option.

• Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning at each step to really bring out the flavors.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Ready to dive into the cooking process? It’s as easy as pie (or should I say pasta?).

1. Cook the Pasta: Follow the package instructions to boil your rigatoni in salted water, just until it reaches that delightful al dente stage. We want it to hold up well in that creamy sauce!

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a generous couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Let this fabulous mix bubble a bit, around 3-4 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully.

3. Cheese it Up: Stir in the shredded cheddar. Watch how it melts into that creamy concoction—pure magic!

4. Combine: Now, add in the cooked rigatoni and shredded chicken. Stir gently to make sure everything gets acquainted. Taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Garnish and Serve: Scoop out this glorious dish onto plates and top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese. Voila! Dinner is served!

Best Way to Enjoy It

This pasta dish is a full meal in itself, but you can elevate it even further! Pair it with a light garden salad—perhaps a simple lemon vinaigrette—to cut through that creamy richness. Freshly baked garlic bread can also be a delightful companion, perfect for mopping up those leftover sauce remnants. And let’s not forget about a chilled beverage, whether it’s a light beer or a crisp white wine, to round off the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Let’s talk leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have some pasta remaining, you’ll want to store it properly. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. Microwaving works too, but keep it covered to avoid drying it out. As for freezing—technically, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, but the cream sauce may change texture a bit. If you’re planning on freezing, consider storing the chicken and pasta separately for the best outcome.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Precook chicken: If you want to add more spice later on, consider tossing in some hot sauce directly with your chicken before stirring it into the pasta!
• Watch your heat: Pay attention when melting that cheese; keep the heat low to avoid clumping. Stir constantly for a silky finish.
• Season iteratively: Don’t just season at the end! Season your pasta water, the sauce, and the final dish to build flavor layers.

Recipe Variations

Feeling a bit adventurous? Here are some creative twists:

• Spice Brilliance: For those who love heat, try adding jalapeños or a splash of sriracha into the sauce!
• Veggie Delight: Toss in some spinach or roasted bell peppers for a fresh punch of color and nutrients.
• Flavor Swaps: If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, barbecue sauce can also create a beautifully smoky alternative for a different take!

Your Questions Answered

• What’s the prep time? This recipe is quick—around 10 minutes, and cooking takes about another 20!
• Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! Just prepare the dish and store it before adding the garnishes.
• Is it kid-friendly? You bet! Adjust the spice level to make it milder, and they’ll absolutely love it.
• Any substitutions for cheese? You can use cream cheese for a thicker sauce or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• What can I serve with it? A simple green salad or even roasted veggies makes a lovely side. Get creative!

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and give this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta a whirl! This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to indulge in the flavors you love and share them with friends and family. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so be sure to experiment, put your spin on it, and share your thoughts! Happy cooking!

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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy Non Vegetarian Spicy W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 700

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces Rigatoni (You can substitute with penne or farfalle.)
• 4 tablespoons Butter (Essential for richness.)
• 2 cups Heavy cream (Transforms sauce to creamy.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Buffalo sauce (Frank's RedHot recommended.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds flavor without chopping.)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Adds depth to sauce.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Paprika (For color and subtle smoky flavor.)
• 4 ounces Shredded mild cheddar cheese (Can swap for pepper jack.)
• 2 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken (Makes dish hearty.)
• Thinly sliced green onion (For garnish.)
• Crumbled blue cheese (Optional garnish.)
• Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper (Essential for seasoning.)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

   Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   Melt butter in a large pan, add heavy cream, buffalo sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let bubble for 3-4 minutes.
   Mark as complete

3. Cheese it Up

   Stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine

   Add cooked rigatoni and shredded chicken, stir gently, and adjust seasoning.
   Mark as complete

5. Garnish and Serve

   Top with green onions and blue cheese before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 700kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 45g70%

Saturated Fat 22g111%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 850mg36%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 55g19%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 600 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.4 mg

Phosphorus 350 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is also great as leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: pasta, buffalo chicken, creamy, comfort food, weeknight meal