There's nothing quite like the bold, spicy kick of Buffalo Chicken Pasta to liven up your dinner table. This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich buffalo sauce for the perfect balance of heat and comfort.

I first made this recipe on a whim, looking to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and an open bottle of buffalo sauce. The result? A family favorite that’s now in our regular rotation! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home too.

Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that checks all the boxes—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make.

First off, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can whip up this dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Secondly, it’s a one-pot wonder. With minimal dishes to wash, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and relax.

Not to mention, it’s a budget-friendly meal. Using simple, everyday ingredients means you can serve up a hearty, restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Lastly, the customization options are endless. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the protein, or dial up (or down) the spice, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your taste.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each one is important.

Chicken – I prefer using cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for ease, but you can also cook and dice fresh chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works great, too!

Pasta – Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work best for holding onto the creamy buffalo sauce. If you love extra sauce with every bite, choose a pasta with ridges or twists.

Buffalo Sauce – Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but you can use any brand you love. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sauce to suit your preference.

Cream Cheese – This is the secret to a rich, creamy texture that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Make sure to soften it for easy blending.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Ranch makes the sauce extra creamy, while blue cheese adds a tangy kick. Choose whichever flavor profile you prefer!

Cheese – A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates the ultimate gooey, melty texture. Feel free to sprinkle extra on top before serving.

Milk or Heavy Cream – Helps thin out the sauce while keeping it rich and luxurious. Use heavy cream for an indulgent dish or milk for a lighter version.

If you have a large skillet or Dutch oven, that’s all you’ll need to cook everything in one pot. Let’s get started!

How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious, creamy, and spicy meal in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente. Drain and set it aside, but don’t rinse—it helps the sauce cling better!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add softened cream cheese and stir until it starts to melt. Pour in buffalo sauce, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, and milk or heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cheese

Stir in the shredded chicken, making sure it gets fully coated in the sauce. Next, sprinkle in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and gooey.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring well to coat every piece in the creamy, cheesy buffalo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with chopped green onions, extra cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy goodness.

This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic go-to for weeknights.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), here’s how to store them for later:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Buffalo Chicken Pasta freezes well! Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips

Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and warm over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Variations and Substitutions

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is super versatile, and you can easily switch things up to fit your taste preferences.

Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
Make it Lighter – Swap heavy cream for milk and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a healthier version.
Vegetarian Version – Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cauliflower for a meatless twist.
Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to cut down on carbs.
Different Cheese Blend – Try pepper jack for an extra kick or gouda for a smoky twist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. With so many variations, you’ll never get bored of this delicious, comforting meal!

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or meal prep, it's guaranteed to be a hit.

Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Do you like it extra spicy, or do you add your own special twist? Leave a comment and share your version of this delicious dish.