Did you know 1 pound of chicken breast has 80-90 grams of lean protein? Our Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is packed with this amazing nutrient. It combines the spicy taste of buffalo sauce with creamy pasta, making it a hit with everyone. You can make it in under twenty minutes with simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and blue cheese.
This dish is perfect for family dinners or parties. It ensures everyone leaves happy and full.
This recipe is not just tasty; it’s also flexible. For those with gluten issues, Banza’s chickpea pasta is a great choice. It adds 25 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber to each serving. Bell peppers in the recipe also bring important vitamins like vitamin C, making it healthy and delicious.
This creamy buffalo chicken pasta is great for a family of four. It balances spicy buffalo wings with cheesy pasta, making it affordable and tasty. Ready to impress your family with this recipe? Let’s explore the secrets of this irresistible dish!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Starting to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta means getting the right buffalo chicken pasta ingredients. This part talks about the main and optional parts you might need.
Main Ingredients
The key ingredients are what make the dish taste authentic. Choose penne pasta for the sauce to cling to. Use 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for quick and tasty meat.
- 12 oz. of penne pasta
- 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
- 3/4 cup of Buffalo-style hot sauce
- 8 oz. of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of salted butter
- 1 small diced white onion
- 2 celery stalks, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup of light lager beer (optional, for deglazing)
Optional Ingredients
Adding optional ingredients can make your dish even better. They let you customize to your taste or dietary needs.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | Adds a sharp flavor contrast and melts well |
| Additional Herbs | Enhances flavor with fresh aroma and taste |
| Tomatoes | Diced tomatoes can add a juicy twist |
| Light Cream | Substitute heavy cream for a lighter version |
| Olive Oil | For sautéing the veggies |
| Additional Hot Sauce | For those who prefer extra spice |
With these buffalo chicken pasta ingredients, you’re set to make a tasty meal. Next, we’ll look at how to prepare it.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Making buffalo chicken pasta at home is easy. Follow this guide for a dish full of flavor and creaminess. You can choose between a spicy buffalo pasta or a creamy buffalo chicken alfredo pasta.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by cooking one pound of penne pasta as the package says. Make sure it’s al dente. This way, it will cook a bit more when mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta and wait for the sauce.
Preparing the Sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells good. Then, mix in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of buffalo sauce, and a pinch of pepper. Let it simmer, then add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese slowly. Stir until it’s smooth.
Add 1 cup of chicken broth to thin the sauce. This makes it easier to coat the pasta.
Combining Everything
Put the cooked pasta in the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Mix in 1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken. Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Stir until melted.
Top with blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for more richness. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve your buffalo chicken alfredo pasta hot. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for any weeknight.
Enjoy the spicy and creamy flavors in every bite!
Tasty Variations To try
Exploring different buffalo chicken pasta variations can add variety to your meals. You can find options for different diets and tastes. Let’s look at three favorites: the buffalo chicken pasta bake, a healthy version, and a tasty salad.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
The buffalo chicken pasta bake is great for a filling meal. It’s made by layering pasta, cheese, and chicken, then baking until golden. Use 14.5 oz of Barilla Protein Plus Penne, mix with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Prepare pasta as per instructions.
- Mix cooked pasta with buffalo hot sauce, shredded chicken, and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 mins or until the top is golden brown.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
The buffalo chicken pasta healthy uses chickpea pasta and a dairy-free sauce. Swap regular pasta for gluten-free chickpea pasta. The creamy sauce is made from blended cashews. This option is healthier and gluten-free:
- Cook chickpea pasta as per package instructions.
- Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and water for the sauce.
- Toss the pasta with the cashew sauce and shredded chicken, then drizzle with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
The buffalo chicken pasta salad is perfect for picnics or a light meal. It’s made with cold pasta, veggies, and a tangy dressing. Mix cooked pasta with bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, and a dressing of Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce. It’s a refreshing hit at any event:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked pasta | 12 ounces |
| Diced bell peppers | 1 cup |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
| Greek yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Buffalo hot sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Shredded chicken | 2 cups |
Tips for The Perfect Spicy Pasta
Making perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta is easy. Just follow a few tips on choosing chicken, adjusting spice level, and storing leftovers. Your dish will always be a hit.
Choosing the Chicken
The right chicken is key for great flavor and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a great, easy choice. For more control, cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cooking time is about 15 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Adjusting Spice Level
Buffalo Chicken Pasta lets you choose how spicy you like it. For less heat, use less Buffalo sauce or a milder brand. For more heat, add more hot sauce or spices like cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Red pepper flakes are a great optional heat boost.
Storing Leftovers
Keeping leftovers fresh is important. Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy!
Here’s how to store your Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
- Let the pasta cool before storing.
- Use an airtight container to keep flavors in.
- Label the container with the date.
- Enjoy within three days for the best taste.
By following these tips on choosing chicken, spice level, and storing leftovers, your Buffalo Chicken Pasta will always be delicious.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is not just tasty but also full of good stuff. It’s a great source of protein, thanks to ingredients like cottage cheese and shredded chicken.
Protein Source
This dish is packed with protein from chicken, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Each serving has about 48.1 grams of protein. It’s perfect for those who want to eat more protein.
Barilla Protein+ rotini pasta adds even more protein. This makes the dish a real protein powerhouse.
With low-fat cottage cheese and a pound of chicken breast, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
Dairy-Free Options
Want a dairy-free version? No problem. Use cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a creamy taste without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy it, no matter their diet.
Also, you can skip the cottage cheese or use something else. This makes the dish flexible for different diets. Try chickpea pasta for gluten-free or leave out the chicken for a veggie option. It’s very adaptable.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 562 | – |
| Protein | 48.1 grams | – |
| Total Fat | 9.3 grams | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 grams | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 21 mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 1304 mg | 57% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 97.8 grams | 36% |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 grams | 37% |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 grams | – |
| Vitamin D | 1 mcg | 5% |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 5 mg | 27% |
This dish is great for any meal, thanks to its flexibility and health benefits. It’s perfect for quick weeknights or special occasions. It’s both healthy and satisfying.
Conclusion
The buffalo chicken pasta recipe is a hit that brings together buffalo flavors and pasta’s comfort. It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes. You’ll need shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and creamy cheeses.
This recipe is great for busy nights or parties. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. You can also try healthier versions or a buffalo chicken dip-inspired pasta salad.
Feel free to adjust the spice to your liking. Try different pasta shapes or healthier options like whole wheat or gluten-free. This makes the dish even more special.
This recipe is loved for its bold flavors and ease. It’s ready in 25 minutes, perfect for a meal for four. Enjoy the spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in every bite.
FAQ – Buffalo Chicken Pasta
What are the main ingredients for buffalo chicken pasta?
The main ingredients are penne pasta, butter, garlic, and heavy cream. You also need buffalo wing sauce, pepper, cream cheese, rotisserie chicken, blue cheese, and green onions.
Are there optional ingredients I can add to buffalo chicken pasta?
Yes, you can add ranch or blue cheese dressing. Cheddar cheese and extra herbs are also good for more flavor.
How do I make buffalo chicken pasta?
First, cook the penne pasta as the package says. Then, melt butter in a saucepan and add garlic. Stir in heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and pepper. Next, add softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add chopped chicken, blue cheese, and green onions. Stir well.
What are some variations of buffalo chicken pasta?
Try the buffalo chicken pasta bake by adding extra cheese and baking until bubbly. For a healthier version, use chickpea pasta and a dairy-free sauce from cashews. Buffalo chicken pasta salad is great for picnics. It’s cold, with fresh veggies and a light dressing.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient. Or, cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for more flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Change the buffalo sauce amount or add cayenne or garlic powder. This will adjust the spice to your liking.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days.
Is buffalo chicken pasta a good source of protein?
Yes, it’s a great protein source. The chicken and dairy products provide most of the protein.
Are there dairy-free options for buffalo chicken pasta?
For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream. It gives a creamy texture without dairy.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz. of penne pasta
- 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
- 3/4 cup of Buffalo-style hot sauce
- 8 oz. of cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions sliced
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of salted butter
- 1 small diced white onion
- 2 celery stalks sliced thin
- 1/4 cup of light lager beer optional, for deglazing
- Optional Ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor contrast and melts well
- Additional herbs enhances flavor with fresh aroma and taste
- Tomatoes diced tomatoes can add a juicy twist
- Light cream substitutes heavy cream for a lighter version
- Olive oil for sautéing the veggies
- Additional hot sauce for those who prefer extra spice
Instructions
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook 12 oz. of penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Preparing the Sauce:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of buffalo sauce, and a pinch of pepper. Let it simmer.
- Slowly add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to thin out the sauce for better pasta coating.
- Combining Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
- Mix in 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, ranch dressing, or sliced green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing the Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick option, but you can also use cooked, shredded boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Reduce buffalo sauce for milder heat, or add cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
-
Variations:
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: Bake with extra cheese at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Use chickpea pasta and dairy-free cashew sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: Serve cold with fresh veggies and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing.
