There's nothing quite like the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy in a single bite, and that's exactly what this Buffalo Chicken Pasta delivers. With tender chicken, a luscious buffalo-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a kick.
I first made this dish when I was craving buffalo wings but also wanted something hearty and satisfying. It quickly became a family favorite, making its way into our weekly dinner rotation. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that brings all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken in a creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible way.
First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still packed with flavor.
If you're a fan of buffalo chicken wings, this dish is going to be your new obsession. It has all the spicy, tangy goodness of your favorite game-day snack but in a rich, satisfying pasta dish.
This recipe is also highly customizable. Want more heat? Add extra hot sauce. Prefer a milder version? Use less buffalo sauce and add a little more cream. You can even toss in extra veggies or swap out the protein to make it your own.
Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, and that’s always a win in my book.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s a great shortcut!
Pasta – I love using penne or rotini because their ridges help hold onto the sauce, but any short pasta will do. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
Buffalo Sauce – Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but any brand of buffalo sauce works. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream – These ingredients make the sauce extra rich and creamy, balancing out the heat from the buffalo sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead.
Cheese – A combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully into the sauce, adding extra creaminess and that irresistible cheese pull.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Stirring in a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing gives this dish that signature buffalo chicken flavor. Choose whichever you prefer!
Green Onions & Blue Cheese Crumbles (Optional) – These toppings add a nice finishing touch, giving the dish an extra burst of flavor and a bit of crunch.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making this creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is super simple, and it all comes together in just one pan!
Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously—it adds flavor to the pasta itself. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit of butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then, pour in the buffalo sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Next, add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Then, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
For the final touch, drizzle in a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing and give it one last stir. Garnish with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles, then serve immediately.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case because this dish disappears fast!), storing and reheating is easy.
Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but it reheats beautifully.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. If you do decide to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat slowly with added cream.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes!
If you want a milder version, cut the buffalo sauce in half and add more cream or ranch dressing to balance the spice.
For extra protein, add crispy bacon bits or mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make a great addition if you want to add some extra nutrients and texture to the dish.
If you're looking for a low-carb option, swap out the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. The sauce works beautifully with either!
For a fun twist, turn this dish into a buffalo chicken mac and cheese by adding extra cheese and topping it with buttery breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
With so many ways to customize, you can make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta your own every time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new household favorite!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, spicy Buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese for a bold and satisfying meal. Quick and easy to make, it's perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in Buffalo sauce, heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken and mix well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep.
- Adjust Buffalo sauce for spice preference.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
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