Description

This creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with a rich buffalo sauce-infused cheese sauce and shredded chicken, creating a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for weeknights or game day. The dish features a smooth, tangy buffalo wing sauce base mixed with cream cheese, chicken broth, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, topped optionally with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra touch of zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound penne pasta

Sauce

1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
½ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Protein and Cheese

1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Topping

¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Make Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth in the skillet. Simmer the mixture, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and uniform.
Season: Add the garlic powder and kosher salt to the sauce in the skillet. Whisk thoroughly to blend the seasonings into the sauce evenly.
Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken thoroughly with the buffalo cheese sauce.
Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta immediately. Optionally, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor and a creamy finish.

Notes

Use cooked chicken breast or thighs — shredded leftover or rotisserie chicken works great.
The buffalo wing sauce brands vary in heat; Frank’s RedHot is recommended for balanced spice.
For a milder dish, reduce the buffalo sauce or add more cheese.
If you like extra tanginess, add ranch or blue cheese dressing on top just before serving.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier melting into a smooth sauce.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.