This creamy Buffalo chicken pasta is loaded with shredded chicken breast, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and gluten-free pasta in a rich, creamy, cheesy Buffalo sauce, creating a bold, flavorful main course for your next meal.
With just a couple easy steps and a few minutes of effort, you'll have a deliciously creamy and spicy chicken and pasta dish on the table that will wow the crowd.
Like my chicken garlic parmesan pasta, this creamy Buffalo chicken pasta combines a rich sauce with noodles and white meat chicken to create a dish that's as delicious as it is easy. The best part is that you can have it on the table quickly, and we all love that.
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Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Simple Ingredients: Everything needed for this recipe is a pantry staple, so you won't have to hunt down exotic ingredients.
- Affordable: Chicken is just about the most affordable fresh protein available, and the other ingredients are equally wallet-friendly.
- Rich and Creamy: The zesty Buffalo sauce in this recipe is rich, creamy, and cheesy.
- Great for a Crowd: Serve this recipe as-is for a filling dinner or double it for parties and potlucks.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Video
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I prefer Springer Mountain Farms because of their quality and freshness. Here I am using pre made chicken strips, feel free to cook fresh or buy a rotisserie chicken already made!
- Garlic Olive Oil: I prefer CostabileBrand garlic olive oil for its quality, purity, and zesty garlic flavor. (Use code: 15GoldenGK for 15% off)
- Penne Pasta: Penne is easy to eat with a spoon and holds the sauce well. As always, I opt for gluten-free pasta, but you can use regular pasta if you don't have any food sensitivities.
- Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Sauce, and Cream Cheese: These ingredients combine to make the creamy, spicy base for the sauce in this recipe.
- Spinach: Spinach adds more flavor, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are full of flavor and health benefits, providing a naturally sweet and slightly acidic note to the dish.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact quantities.
Flavor Substitutions and Variations
- Mild: Make a milder version of this recipe by omitting the dry jalapenos.
- Breaded Chicken: Try using cut-up breaded chicken tenders for a different flavor and texture. Of course, always choose gluten free if needed.
- Chopped Celery: Add chopped celery for even more classic Buffalo chicken flavor.
Equipment
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
1: Dice the chicken into small pieces with a knife or shred it in a food processor. Then, combine it with the ranch dressing in a bowl and set aside.
2: Add butter and olive oil to a large, high-rimmed pan or skillet. Once melted, cook the tomatoes, dry jalapenos, minced onion, and paprika for 2 minutes.
3: Add the uncooked pasta, broth, water, and spinach. Place a lid on the pan and cook for 9 to 11 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
4: Remove the lid and stir. If the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Then, add the cream cheese, both cheeses, and the Buffalo sauce and stir until fully combined. Then, add the chicken, stir well, and serve.
Tips for the Best Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- The easiest way to prepare the chicken is by shredding it in a food processor.
- Be sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
- Be sure your heat is on low when adding the cream cheese so it melts without curdling.
Storage
Refrigerate this Buffalo chicken pasta for up to 3 days in an air-tight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 1 month in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat the dish, add it to a large skillet with a bit of water or broth and cook it over medium-low heat until heated through.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Pair this zesty, creamy pasta dish with a vegetable choice like green beans, broccoli, pan-fried squash, or this air fryer asparagus. A simple salad also makes a nice pairing with it.
Of course, you'll want a sweet treat to cap off your dinner. Oreo mint cheesecake or this frosted yellow cake both make lovely finish to a dinner with this pasta dish.
More Pasta Recipes
If you love pasta dishes full of flavor and texture like this one, then try these other delicoius recipes.
FAQ
Buffalo chicken pasta is a pasta dish made with chicken breast, spinach, pasta, and a sauce combining Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to create a classic Buffalo chicken flavor profile.
Gluten-free pasta is almost non-discernable from regular pasta. Some gluten-free pastas may have a slightly nutty flavor, but that's it.
Al dente pasta should be tender but still have some firmness to it when you bite into it.
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 32 oz grilled chicken breast strips Springer Mountain Farms
- 16 oz gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ¾ cup water
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes diced
- 2 cups diced spinach
- 8 oz cream cheese cut into quarters
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dry jalapeno
- 1 tablespoon garlic olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Dice the chicken into small pieces with a knife or shred it in a food processor. Then, combine it with the ranch dressing in a bowl and set aside.
- Add butter and olive oil to a large, high-rimmed pan or skillet. Once melted, cook the tomatoes, dry jalapenos, minced onion, and paprika for 2 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta, broth, water, and spinach. Place a lid on the pan and cook for 9 to 11 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Remove the lid and stir. If the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Then, add the cream cheese, both cheeses, and the Buffalo sauce and stir until fully combined. Then, add the chicken, stir well, and serve.
Anonymous says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Ashley says
What a great idea! We love buffalo chicken dip so naturally this was a winning recipe.
Emily says
My family loved the rich and creamy texture! This buffalo chicken pasta was a hit with everyone!
Claudia says
Just tried this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe and it’s amazing! The flavors are spot on and it’s so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with it!
Leslie says
Love this classic take on buffalo chicken pasta! Such a great recipe!