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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta for a Weeknight Dinner

A close-up of creamy, orange-sauced buffalo chicken pasta with shredded chicken served on a white plate.
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Make this comforting Buffalo Chicken Pasta for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. It combines spicy buffalo sauce with a creamy base, delivering bold flavor without complicated steps.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (use Frank’s Red Hot for best flavor)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  3. Pour in the buffalo sauce and chicken broth. Stir to coat the chicken completely. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.
  7. Season with salt and pepper as needed. If using, stir in the ranch dressing now.
  8. Serve immediately. Top your portion with green onions or blue cheese crumbles if you like.

Notes

  • For an easier prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken component.
  • If you prefer a lower-fat option, substitute the heavy cream with milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-pasta/