Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Are you craving a mouthwatering fusion of buffalo wing zest and creamy pasta comfort? Buffalo chicken pasta isn't just another weeknight dinner—it's a game-changing recipe that'll transform your kitchen into a flavor battlefield. You'll learn how to perfectly balance spicy buffalo sauce with rich, melted cheeses, creating a dish that's simultaneously bold and comforting. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your meal prep game and impress even the pickiest eaters. Curious about how to craft this crowd-pleasing sensation?

Recipe Highlights

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines spicy buffalo wing sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese into a delicious 30-minute meal perfect for family dinners.
• Start by boiling penne pasta and cooking chicken breasts cut into uniform bite-sized pieces, then simmer the chicken in buffalo sauce for maximum flavor.
• Create a rich, creamy sauce by melting cream cheese and mozzarella together, which provides a smooth texture and balances the spicy buffalo wing sauce.
• Customize the recipe's spice level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce, and consider garnishing with green onions or fresh herbs for added complexity.
• This versatile dish originated from the classic Buffalo, New York wing tradition and can be easily adapted with different pasta shapes or protein options.

History

Although buffalo chicken might seem like a modern culinary creation, its roots trace back to a pivotal moment in American food history. You'll discover that the iconic dish originated in Buffalo, New York, at the Anchor Bar in 1964.

Frank and Teressa Bellissimo accidentally invented buffalo wings when they spontaneously deep-fried chicken wings and coated them in a spicy hot sauce, creating a revolutionary bar snack.

The original recipe sparked a nationwide sensation, transforming humble chicken wings into a cultural phenomenon.

You'll find that restaurants nationwide quickly adopted the concept, expanding buffalo-style flavors beyond wings. Chefs began experimenting, incorporating the tangy, spicy sauce into various dishes, including pasta, pizza, and dips.

This culinary innovation represents quintessential American creativity in food culture.

Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering fusion of classic buffalo wing flavors and comforting pasta. This easy-to-prepare dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.

The recipe combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and rich cream cheese to create a delectable meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you're cooking for family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this buffalo chicken pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and sauté in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they're fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cream cheese, mixing until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to ensure the chicken and sauce coat every piece of pasta evenly.

For the final step, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and cover the skillet.

Let the dish sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend together. The result is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that captures all the excitement of buffalo wings in a comforting pasta format.

To enhance the dish, consider using different heat levels of buffalo sauce to suit your preference, and don't be afraid to experiment with additional toppings like blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Always let the pasta rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle, ensuring a more enjoyable eating experience.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, creating the foundation for your creamy buffalo chicken creation.

Next, transform your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, then simmer them in a skillet with robust buffalo sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Finish the dish by stirring in melted mozzarella cheese and garnishing with fresh green onions, which will add a bright, sharp contrast to the rich, spicy pasta.

Step 1. Boil Pasta in Salted Water

Perfectly boiled pasta is the foundation of any great pasta dish, and your buffalo chicken pasta is no exception. Fill a large pot with water, using approximately 4-6 quarts for one pound of penne. Add 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt, which enhances the pasta's flavor from within.

Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat, creating vigorous, bubbling movement. Gently add pasta, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Cook for 8-10 minutes, testing for al dente texture by cutting a piece in half—it should have a slight firmness at the center.

• Use a timer for precision
• Stir occasionally during cooking
• Taste test 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time
• Avoid overcooking, which leads to mushy pasta

Drain immediately in a colander, ready for your buffalo chicken sauce.

Step 2. Cut Chicken Into Cubes

Grab a sharp chef's knife and a clean cutting board to transform your chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized cubes that'll cook evenly and blend seamlessly into your buffalo chicken pasta.

Position the chicken breast flat, using your non-dominant hand to hold it steady while your dominant hand guides the knife. Cut the chicken into roughly 3/4-inch cubes, aiming for consistent size to ensure even cooking. A steady, controlled motion helps create clean cuts without shredding the meat.

Quick tips for perfect chicken cubes:

• Use a razor-sharp knife
• Cut against the grain
• Keep pieces approximately the same size
• Pat chicken dry before cutting for better grip
• Trim any visible fat or tough connective tissue

Uniform cubes guarantee each bite delivers the same delicious buffalo chicken flavor.

Step 3. Simmer Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

After cubing the chicken into uniform pieces, the next critical step transforms those tender morsels into a flavor-packed buffalo chicken sensation.

Add the chicken to a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring each piece is evenly distributed across the cooking surface. Let the chicken sear for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote consistent browning and prevent sticking.

• Pour 1 cup of buffalo wing sauce directly over the chicken.
• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Simmer for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat and penetrate the meat.

Watch for visual cues: the chicken should look glossy, with sauce clinging to each cube.

The sauce will slightly thicken, creating a rich, tangy coating that promises bold, spicy flavor in every bite. Stir gently to ensure even sauce distribution.

Step 4. Stir in Mozzarella Cheese

When the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated with buffalo sauce, it's time to introduce the melty mozzarella that'll elevate your dish from good to irresistible.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of the pasta, ensuring complete coverage. Let the residual heat from the skillet gently melt the cheese, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Key cheese melting tips:

• Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat
• Keep the burner on low to prevent scorching
• Watch for cheese to become glossy and fully melted

Once the mozzarella transforms into a smooth, stretchy layer, give the pasta a gentle stir to distribute the cheese.

The result? A creamy, tangy buffalo chicken pasta that'll have everyone reaching for seconds, with those irresistible cheese pulls making every bite memorable.

Step 5. Serve With Green Onions

As the mozzarella's glossy sheen blankets your buffalo chicken pasta, you'll want to add a final flourish of fresh green onions to brighten the dish's rich, spicy profile.

Finely slice the green onions on a diagonal, creating thin, elegant rings that'll provide a crisp, sharp contrast to the creamy pasta. Sprinkle approximately 2-3 tablespoons of chopped green onions directly over the top of your dish, concentrating on creating an even distribution across the surface.

The vibrant green color will instantly elevate the visual appeal, while the onions' mild, peppery flavor will cut through the buffalo sauce's intensity. Let the green onions rest atop the hot pasta for 30 seconds before serving, allowing their natural oils to release and integrate subtly with the dish's complex flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo chicken pasta isn't just another weeknight dinner—it's a crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

You'll find this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and culinary excitement, offering a quick solution for hungry families and busy home cooks.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily adjust spice levels, swap protein types, or experiment with different pasta shapes without compromising the core flavor profile.

Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this buffalo chicken pasta delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, adding a side salad, or prepping extra for delicious leftovers. Your dinner guests will be impressed, and you'll feel like a kitchen hero.