Buffalo Chicken Pasta
My easy Buffalo chicken pasta features spicy chicken with a rich cheesy sauce. I've turned your favorite party dip into an easy 30 minute meal perfect for busy weeknights
I love quick and easy chicken dinners like buffalo chicken mac and cheese, spicy chicken pizza, and potato chip chicken. We are currently going crazy over buffalo chicken casserole in this house. It is filled with all our favorites: chicken, creamy pasta and hot sauce. It bakes up in just 20 minutes. It's my new favorite way to get dinner on the table FAST when you're hangry and my family begs for it every week! Just like my buffalo chicken quesadillas It is also great for potlucks, and gameday too! If you love buffalo chicken dip, you'll love this easy pasta dish too!
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Penne Pasta: Other shapes can be substituted too such as rotini for farfalle. Avoid thin or delicate pastas like angel hair which can overcook quickly.
- Cream Cheese: Always use full fat for the best texture. It is also less likely to separate.
- Soften it first by leaving at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Short on time? Submerge it in the foil wrapper in a cup of warm not hot water.
- Ranch Dressing: You could also use blue cheese if your family prefers.
- Hot Sauce: Use your favorite here. I usually use Franks Red Hot. Give it a taste before adding to the recipe as different brands have different heat levels.
- Cooked Chicken: Grilled or poached chicken will work, but my go to is a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. You could even used canned chicken in a pinch.
- Cheese: Grate your own if at all possible. The fillers in pre-shredded varieties interfere with melting and can become clumpy or greasy.
Krystle's Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Add around 1 to 2 tablespoons until it tastes as salty as chicken broth. This is the only change you have to season the noodles themselves.
- Don't Overcook Pasta: Cook until just al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking can make it mushy.
More Pasta Dinners To Try
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
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📖 Recipe
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Penne Pasta
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese Softened
- 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream
- ¾ Cup Ranch Dressing
- ⅓ Cup Hot Sauce
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken Shredded
- 1 ½ Cups Mozzarella Cheese Shredded and Divided
- ½ Cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- Green Onions, For Garnish If Desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan with non stick cooking spray.
- Cook penne according to box directions.
- Combine cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch, and ½ cup of mozzarella. Fold in pasta and chicken. Spread into prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Garnish with chives and drizzle with ranch if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This is straightforward and tasty, the definition of comfort food. Love that it only takes 20-30 minutes. Thank you for sharing.
I'm going to try this great recipe, and I'm sure my family will love it. Thanks for sharing.
I've never had buffalo chicken before. I have heard of it but wasn't sure it was something I'd like. Your recipe has changed my mind.
Yay, it's always fun to try new things. 🙂
We love pasta nights. This dish looks incredible--buffalo chicken is one of my fave flavors.
This was really good. I added some diced jalapenos because I can't get enough heat. I'm making it again for sure!
Delicious!
Pinned to lunch/dinner and office lunch since it seems to be one of those dishes perfect to take to work, if any leftovers 🙂
This looks super tasty!! I can’t wait to give it a try! Delicious 🙂
A new favorite meal in our house! Such a huge hit!
I'll take this dinner any day of the week. Such a good way to use up all the chicken I have in the fridge.
I make this on a regular occasion!
Love everything about this dish! I always top it with some ranch dressing
Such a great recipe! My family loves it!
This was such an easy recipe and it turned out perfectly! Thank you!
My husband LOVES Buffalo chicken dip, so this recipe is perfect for us! Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples---can't beat that!!