Buffalo Chicken Pasta Delight

This one-pot buffalo chicken pasta combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken for the ultimate comfort food dinner. The perfect balance of heat and creaminess makes this a weeknight winner that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

I first made this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something fast but satisfying. My family now requests it monthly, and I love how the kitchen fills with that distinctive buffalo aroma that promises something delicious is coming.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and shreds beautifully for the perfect texture throughout the dish
• Blue cheese dressing: Adds tanginess and creaminess that perfectly balances the spicy buffalo sauce
• Butter: Creates richness and helps build flavor in every stage of cooking
• Yellow onion and celery: Form the aromatic base that gives this dish its depth
• Garlic cloves: Add essential flavor that elevates the entire dish
• Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and moisture while adding beautiful color
• Chicken broth: Forms the cooking liquid for the pasta allowing it to absorb maximum flavor
• Penne pasta: Holds up well to the hearty sauce and captures buffalo sauce in its hollow centers
• Buffalo sauce: Delivers that classic spicy kick without being overwhelming
• Cream cheese: Creates an impossibly creamy texture that coats every bite
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses: Melt beautifully for that stretchy cheesy goodness
• Red pepper flakes: Let you customize the heat level to your preference
• Cold butter for finishing: Gives the sauce a professional restaurant quality sheen

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:

Allow all dairy ingredients to come to room temperature before beginning. This critical step ensures your cheese melts smoothly without becoming grainy. Dice your vegetables uniformly for even cooking and have everything measured before starting.

Cook The Chicken:

Gently simmer chicken breast in water for exactly 15 minutes. The gentle simmer rather than rapid boil keeps the chicken tender and juicy. After shredding with two forks, tossing with blue cheese dressing immediately infuses flavor and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Build The Flavor Base:

Melt butter over medium heat then add onions and celery. Cook for a full 5 minutes until they become translucent but not browned. This properly develops their sweetness without burning. Add garlic only in the final minute to prevent it from becoming bitter while still releasing its aromatic oils.

Cook The Pasta:

Add tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth then bring to a boil. The acidity from tomatoes helps break down the pasta starches for a creamier result. Submerge pasta completely to ensure even cooking. Cover to trap steam which helps cook the pasta evenly throughout.

Create The Sauce:

Reduce heat to low before adding cheeses which prevents separation and graininess. The combination of buffalo sauce cream cheese and shredded cheeses creates layers of flavor complexity. Stir gently with a silicone spatula to prevent breaking the pasta while incorporating everything smoothly.

Final Assembly:

Add shredded chicken back to the pot along with optional red pepper flakes. The final swirl of cold butter creates a glossy restaurant quality sauce through a technique called monter au beurre. Allow the dish to rest for 2 minutes before serving to let flavors fully develop.

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The cream cheese is truly the secret hero of this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once tried to make the dish without it, and the sauce never achieved that silky, rich consistency that makes everyone go back for seconds. Now I always keep cream cheese in my refrigerator specifically for this recipe.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue absorbing sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat rather than microwave for best texture restoration.

Smart Substitutions

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese to maintain creaminess with less fat. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly when you need a time-saving option without sacrificing flavor. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted but watch cooking times as they often cook faster than regular pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this buffalo chicken pasta with a simple side salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For entertaining, portion into individual gratin dishes topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for an impressive presentation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese in this dish?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and mozzarella with your preferred cheese, such as gouda or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.

→ What can I use instead of blue cheese dressing?

Ranch dressing works as a great alternative to blue cheese dressing if you prefer a milder flavor.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer over low heat or reduce the pasta slightly to create a creamier consistency.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and proceed with the recipe as directed.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce consistency.

→ What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?

Use your favorite buffalo sauce brand; adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier kick.