Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This creamy and spicy buffalo chicken pasta brings together the best of bold flavors and comforting textures in one simple pot. It combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses to create a dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a meal with a kick but without the fuss of multiple pans.

I first whipped this up on a quiet afternoon with leftover chicken and some cream in the fridge. It quickly became a go-to for its ease and flavor, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: shredded or diced one pound – leftover rotisserie works great for flavor and convenience
• Penne or fettuccine pasta: twelve ounces – holds sauce well, choose good quality for better texture
• Chicken broth: two cups – adds savory depth and helps create the sauce
• Heavy cream: one cup – brings richness and creaminess, whole milk can be used with additional cream cheese for similar effect
• Buffalo sauce: half a cup – the star of the show, pick your favorite wing sauce with your preferred heat level
• Grated Parmesan cheese: one cup – adds salty depth and a nutty aroma, go for fresh if possible
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: half a cup – melts beautifully for stretch and softness
• Cream cheese: two tablespoons – smooths and thickens the sauce, giving it a velvety texture
• Olive oil or butter: one tablespoon – starting fat for sautéing chicken and infusing flavor
• Garlic powder: one teaspoon – a subtle savory boost without overpowering
• Salt and pepper: to taste – essential for seasoning balance
• Green onions or parsley for garnish: adds freshness and color at the end

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat olive oil or butter in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken, season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and sauté for two to three minutes until fragrant, which builds flavor and warms the meat through.

Add Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and buffalo sauce. Stir well to combine the spicy and creamy elements. Next, add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start cooking the pasta evenly.

Simmer to Cook Pasta:

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to encourage the sauce to thicken. This usually takes about ten to twelve minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.

Melt in the Cheeses:

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Keep mixing until all the cheeses melt completely and the sauce turns rich, creamy, and smooth.

Final Taste and Garnish:

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Bookmark

The magic here is definitely in the buffalo sauce. It brings that pleasant sharpness that wakes up the palate but doesn’t dominate because the creamy cheeses wrap every bite in richness. I remember my kids standing by the stove, happily spooning straight from the pot, a testament to how irresistible this dish quickly became in our house.

Storage Tips

Cool the pasta completely before placing it in an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a little chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy sauce texture. Avoid heating on high to prevent the cheese from separating and becoming grainy. You can freeze the base without cheeses for up to two months and add cheese fresh when reheating for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with butter for a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. Use any short pasta like rigatoni or shells if penne is unavailable. Swap heavy cream for a combination of milk and extra cream cheese for a lighter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is a fantastic side, perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or corn mixed in before the cheese step add color, texture, and a veggie boost without compromising flavor. Serve in deep bowls topped with fresh herbs for a cozy, inviting presentation.

Pro Tips

• Toast the garlic powder briefly in the oil before adding chicken to enhance the aroma
• Do not overcook the pasta during simmering to maintain bite and texture
• Add cheeses gradually and stir continuously for a silky, clump-free sauce

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

→ What pasta types work best here?

Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce well. Longer pastas such as fettuccine or linguine work too, as they absorb the creamy sauce nicely.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on your choice of buffalo sauce. Adjust the heat by adding more sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper based on your preference.

→ Can I substitute heavy cream with milk?

Whole milk can be used, but it results in a lighter sauce. Combining milk with cream cheese or a bit of butter helps keep the sauce rich and creamy.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the rich and spicy flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions to enhance freshness.