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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple

The Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple is a rich and comforting dish that perfectly blends the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy texture of pasta. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, offering a quick yet satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Its unique flavor profile is a delightful combination of spicy and savory, making it a standout choice for those looking to spice up their usual pasta repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply feeding your family, this recipe checks all the boxes for being deliciously simple and utterly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are several compelling reasons to fall in love with the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple. Firstly, the balance of flavors is exceptional. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce complements the creamy sauce perfectly, creating a mouthwatering experience that excites the taste buds. Secondly, the recipe is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, you can have this delightful dish on the table in no time. Third, its versatility is worth noting; it can be served as a main dish or even as a side, making it suitable for various occasions. Finally, the texture of this dish is simply irresistible—the creamy sauce clings to the pasta while tender pieces of chicken provide a hearty satisfaction that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients to make The recipe :

To create the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple, gather the following ingredients:

  • Pasta: Approximately 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, such as rotini or penne, will serve as the base of the dish. Pasta adds structure and heartiness, soaking up the creamy buffalo sauce beautifully.
  • Chicken Breast: About 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast will provide protein and texture. You can use rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts for convenience. The chicken absorbs the buffalo flavor, enhancing the dish.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Roughly 1 cup of buffalo sauce will add the signature spicy kick. Choose your preferred brand or make a homemade version. The sauce is the star of the dish, providing that unmistakable flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block of cream cheese will create the creaminess in the sauce. As it melts, it integrates seamlessly with the pasta and chicken, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
  • Heavy Cream: About 1 cup of heavy cream will further enhance the creaminess of the sauce. This addition helps to mellow out the heat from the buffalo sauce while enriching the overall flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds depth and a delicious cheesy flavor. It melts beautifully into the sauce, contributing to a luxurious finish.
  • Green Onions: A handful of sliced green onions will provide a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor. They serve as an excellent garnish, adding brightness and a pop of color to your dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Use salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile. These seasonings are essential for balancing the dish.
  • Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil will be used for sautéing the chicken if you’re starting from scratch. It helps in browning the chicken, adding flavor and moisture.

How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple ?

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That's Deliciously Simple - additional image

Follow these detailed steps to prepare the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Choose a large pot and boil water, adding salt to enhance flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about half a cup of the starchy cooking water for later use. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. If you are using uncooked chicken breast, season it with salt and pepper before placing it in the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and set it aside for later. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 8 ounces of cream cheese. Allow it to soften and melt, stirring frequently until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine. The sauce will begin to thicken; continue to stir until it’s velvety and well-mixed. Next, add 1 cup of buffalo sauce to the cream mixture, stirring until it is fully incorporated. Taste the sauce; this is the time to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet and mix well, allowing it to soak in the flavors. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently. If the sauce appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Once everything is combined, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple hot for the best experience.

Tips for Variations:

Here are some creative variations to enhance your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple: For a veggie-packed option, consider adding sautéed bell peppers and spinach. These vegetables not only add color but also provide additional nutrients. You can also experiment with different types of pasta; for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add some diced jalapeños to the mix. If you love a smoky flavor, incorporate smoked paprika into the sauce for a depth of flavor that transforms the dish. To make it lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat yogurt or cashew cream, maintaining the creamy consistency while cutting down on calories. For a complete meal, serve this pasta alongside a fresh side salad dressed with vinaigrette. This not only balances the richness of the pasta but also adds a refreshing element to the meal. Finally, consider making it a bake by transferring the pasta and sauce into a baking dish, topping it with breadcrumbs and additional cheese, and baking until golden brown for a crispy finish.

Serving Suggestions:

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That's Deliciously Simple - additional image

When it comes to serving the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple, presentation can elevate your dish. Consider serving it in large, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant colors. Pair it with a fresh garden salad to provide a crunchy contrast to the rich pasta. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a warm baguette for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy. This dish is perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to more festive gatherings, making it versatile enough for any table. During Ramadan, it can serve as a hearty iftar meal alongside dates and refreshing beverages to break the fast. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple is not only delicious but also adaptable, making it a staple in your meal rotation.

FAQ:

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers of the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Deliciously Simple. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or even shredded beef to create a different flavor profile while still enjoying the creamy sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This dish is excellent for meal prep! You can cook a large batch and portion it out for the week. Just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, the spice level can be easily adjusted. You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used or opt for a milder brand to suit your taste preferences.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A rich and comforting dish that blends the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 12 ounces Pasta (rotini or penne) Your favorite type of pasta.

Chicken

  • 2 cups Cooked, shredded chicken breast Use rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts.

Sauce

  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce Choose your preferred brand or make homemade.
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Block of cream cheese for creaminess.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Adds depth and cheesy flavor.

Garnish

  • 1 handful Sliced green onions Provides fresh crunch and color.

Seasonings

  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Cooking Oil

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing the chicken.

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, then sauté for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked. If using rotisserie chicken, shred and set aside.
  • Remove cooked chicken from skillet and let cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat and add cream cheese. Allow it to soften and melt, stirring until creamy and smooth.
  • Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and is velvety.
  • Add buffalo sauce to the cream mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add shredded chicken back into the skillet and mix well. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  • Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

This dish is versatile and can be served as a main or side. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Keyword Easy
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