Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender pasta is tossed in a flavorful buffalo sauce with shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses, making it a comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season: Add the garlic powder and salt to the sauce. Whisk until well combined.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Top with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce.
- If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs while the pasta is cooking.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the pasta, sauce, and chicken in a freezer-safe casserole dish, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
