Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta is bold, creamy, and packed with that unmistakable buffalo kick—tender chicken tossed with pasta in a rich, tangy sauce balanced by creaminess and a hint of heat. It’s the perfect mashup of game-day flavor and cozy comfort food, ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to satisfy spice lovers and pasta fans alike.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Creamy with a bold buffalo bite
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Easy one-pan sauce
• Customizable heat level

• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

Sauce

• ¾ cup buffalo sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-ins & Toppings

• ¼ cup cream cheese (extra creamy)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing drizzle
• Chopped green onions or parsley

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot

• Large skillet

• Colander

• Tongs or a spatula

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season the chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly.

3. Sauté the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.

4. Build the sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add buffalo sauce and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.

5. Add cream

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream (and cream cheese if using). Simmer gently 2 minutes—do not boil.

6. Melt the cheese

Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

7. Combine everything

Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. Taste and adjust

Taste and adjust heat with more buffalo sauce or mellow with a splash of cream.

9. Serve

Serve hot, finished with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and green onions if desired.

Mistakes to avoid

• Boiling the sauce — broken, greasy texture
• Overcooking chicken — dry bites
• Too much buffalo sauce early — overpowering heat
• Skipping pasta water — thick, sticky sauce
• High heat with dairy — curdling risk

Variations of Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Buffalo Ranch — stir in 2 tbsp ranch dressing
• Extra Spicy — add cayenne or chili flakes
• Cheesy Bake — transfer to dish, top with cheese, broil 2–3 minutes
• Veggie Boost — add broccoli or spinach
• Lighter — use half-and-half instead of cream

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth
• Sauce thickens as it sits—loosen before serving
• Best enjoyed fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it very spicy?
Medium heat—adjust by adding more cream or less buffalo sauce.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—add it when combining with the sauce.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta delivers creamy comfort with unmistakable buffalo flair. Easy, customizable, and packed with bold flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight pasta when you’re craving something spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.