Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy. Tender chicken is tossed with pasta in a rich buffalo cream sauce made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese for an easy one-pot dinner the whole family will love. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food for anyone who loves buffalo chicken flavors.
If you loved this Buffalo Chicken Pasta, be sure to try my creamy Chicken Spaghetti and hearty Beef Stroganoff recipes for two more easy, family-friendly comfort food dinners everyone will ask for again and again!
If there’s one thing my husband can never say no to, it’s buffalo-flavored anything. Buffalo wings? Absolutely. Buffalo chicken dip? Gone in minutes. Buffalo chicken pizza? His favorite. So it was only a matter of time before I turned those bold flavors into this incredibly creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
The first time I made this recipe, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I wanted all the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings, but with a rich, creamy sauce that the whole family could enjoy. Since we usually use mild buffalo sauce, it has just enough kick without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it perfect for everyone around our dinner table.
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta has quickly become one of our favorite dinners for busy weeknights. It’s made in just one pot, comes together in about 30 minutes, and is packed with tender chicken, melty cheese, and plenty of buffalo flavor. Even better? There are fewer dishes to wash afterward, which is always a win in my book!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
There are plenty of buffalo chicken recipes out there, but this One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Here’s why we love it:
- Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Everything cooks in one large skillet or Dutch oven.
- The creamy sauce is made with cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan.
- Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken makes prep incredibly easy.
- Easily customize the spice level by using mild or hot buffalo chicken sauce.
- It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
What Does Buffalo Chicken Pasta Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite buffalo chicken dip transformed into a creamy pasta dinner.
The buffalo sauce adds that signature tangy flavor, while the cream cheese creates a silky, creamy texture that balances the little heat perfectly. Parmesan and mozzarella cheese melt together into a cheesy sauce that’s rich without feeling heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this easy pasta recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples.
You’ll need:
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is my favorite easy way!)
- Rotini pasta or another favorite pasta shape
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Mild buffalo sauce (we love using the mild version, but Frank’s Hot Sauce or Frank’s Hot Sauce Buffalo Wing Sauce also works great if you want more heat, you will probably want to use less of it in the recipe tho.)
- Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or butter
- Green onions for garnish
Optional toppings include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles, sharp cheddar cheese, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like extra spice.
The Best Chicken to Use
This recipe is incredibly flexible.
I usually grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store because it’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
You can also use:
- Leftover chicken
- Cooked chicken breasts
- Boneless skinless chicken breast
- Shredded chicken from meal prep
No matter which option you choose, the tender chicken soaks up every bit of that creamy buffalo chicken sauce.
The Best Pasta for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
I love using penne pasta because all those little tubes hold onto the creamy sauce.
Other great choices include:
- Rotini– I used this one for this post because it looks prettier than the penne I think! 😉
- Shells
- Cavatappi
- Rigatoni
If you decide to cook pasta separately instead of using the one-pot method, simply cook the pasta in a large pot of water according to the package directions until al dente before adding it to the sauce.
Tips for the Creamiest Buffalo Chicken Pasta
A few simple tricks make all the difference:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest cheesy sauce.
- Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before adding it.
- Cook over medium heat when warming the chicken, then reduce to low heat while the pasta simmers.
- Stir every few minutes using a silicone spatula so nothing sticks.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth.
- Want even more cheesy flavor? Add a handful of sharp cheddar cheese during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Make It Your Own
This easy buffalo chicken pasta recipe is easy to customize.
Try adding:
- Spinach
- Diced celery
- Crispy bacon
- Cottage cheese blended into the sauce for extra protein
- A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors
You can even pour everything into a casserole dish, top with extra mozzarella cheese, and bake it for a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp side salad
- Potato Salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Caesar salad
- Corn on the cob
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
When reheating leftover buffalo chicken pasta, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to bring back that creamy texture.
The flavors are even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Since we almost always use mild buffalo sauce, this recipe has just a little heat. If you enjoy spicier buffalo chicken dishes, simply use a hotter buffalo chicken sauce or add extra Frank’s Hot Sauce.
Absolutely! Cook boneless skinless chicken breast, shred or dice it, and use it in place of rotisserie chicken.
Yes! This easy meal reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.
Try These Next!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cooked shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and lightly seasoned. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Pour the chicken broth, heavy cream, and buffalo wing sauce into the same pot, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked rotini pasta and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until all of the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir until everything is evenly coated in the buffalo cheese sauce. Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if desired.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker.
- For an extra cheesy pasta, stir in an additional ½ cup mozzarella before serving.
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta has officially earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Between the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and just the right amount of buffalo flavor, it’s comfort food at its finest.
My husband still says buffalo-flavored anything is his favorite thing to eat, and every single time I make this recipe, he goes back for seconds. Since we prefer mild buffalo sauce, it’s flavorful without being too spicy, making it an easy dinner everyone enjoys.
If you’re searching for the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, this one is creamy, cheesy, incredibly simple, and guaranteed to become a family favorite too.
