Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Comfort Food Bliss Unleashed

Buffalo chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy pasta in one glorious dish. Picture this: a steaming bowl of pasta, cloaked in a rich, velvety sauce with just the right amount of kick, tantalizing your taste buds and filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s a warm blanket for your soul on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleaser during game day gatherings. I remember the first time I made buffalo chicken pasta for my friends; their eyes widened as they took their first bites, and suddenly my kitchen turned into a mini-celebration of flavors and laughter. Trust me; you’ll want to whip up this delightful recipe for any occasion!

I still chuckle when I think about how my friends fought over the last spoonfuls, declaring it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Their reactions were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts based on how many hungry mouths you need to feed.

• Pasta: Any shape works here; I love penne because it holds sauce beautifully.

• Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for that extra zing.

• Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture—don’t skimp on it!

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds richness and complements the heat perfectly.

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide freshness and color—garnish generously!

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust these to suit your taste buds.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once bubbling vigorously, add salt generously before tossing in your pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente.

Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and fully cooked—about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add Flavorful Sauce: Once chicken is cooked through, remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before shredding. In the same skillet, pour in buffalo sauce and heavy cream. Stir well until combined and heated through.

Toss It All Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with shredded chicken. Mix everything thoroughly until every noodle is coated with that scrumptious sauce.

Add Cheese & Serve!: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and gooey. Top with chopped green onions for a pop of color before serving hot!

Now you’ve got yourself a plate of buffalo chicken pasta that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy this flavorful journey filled with warmth and laughter at your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken and pasta simultaneously. Sear the chicken first, then boil the pasta while preparing your delicious, spicy sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try using rotisserie chicken or adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

When I made this buffalo chicken pasta for my friends’ game night, they devoured it in record time! Their laughter filled the room, and I felt like a culinary rock star that night.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

What type of pasta works best?

Fusilli or penne are great choices as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?

Of course! Store-bought buffalo sauce saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor.

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

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Buffalo chicken pasta is a delightful fusion of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy pasta that promises to warm your heart and tantalize your palate. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or lively game day gatherings, guaranteed to impress friends and family alike. With its rich flavors and vibrant presentation, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then shred.
3. In the same skillet, combine buffalo sauce and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
4. Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing until well-coated in the sauce.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Garnish with green onions before serving.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 130mg