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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the bold, spicy flavor of classic buffalo sauce with a rich, cheesy cream sauce, coating tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting, family-friendly dish offers a delicious balance of heat and creaminess, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and diced

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)

Sauce and Dairy

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Aromatics & Fats

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil

Seasonings & Garnishes

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Build the Creamy Buffalo Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent. Lower the heat, then stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Gradually add the buffalo sauce while stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is achieved.
  5. Melt in Cheese and Serve: Stir in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley.

Notes

  • Use freshly opened buffalo sauce for a brighter flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Heat the sauce gently to prevent curdling of cream cheese.
  • Add shredded cheese off the heat to avoid grainy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, creamy buffalo pasta, spicy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal

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