If you’re craving something spicy, creamy, and undeniably satisfying, creamy buffalo chicken pasta is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that turns a stressful day around—fast to make, packed with bold flavor, and finished in just one skillet. With tender chicken, velvety cheese sauce, and a heat level you can customize, this pasta brings serious comfort with a fiery twist. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself to a flavorful dinner at home, this buffalo-inspired pasta is a game-changer. It’s spicy without being overwhelming, rich without being heavy, and it leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds.
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: A Fiery, Comforting Classic for Weeknights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This creamy buffalo chicken pasta is a bold, comforting dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a cheesy finish, it’s the ultimate one-skillet dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ pound), cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with juices
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup cayenne-based hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire-style sauce
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
3. Add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their liquid, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the liquid to a strong simmer. Once simmering, stir briefly, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover again.
5. Let the pasta cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the cream cheese, butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire-style sauce. Stir gently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly. Add veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
The very first bite of creamy buffalo chicken pasta is a flavor bomb—spicy, creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. This isn’t your average pasta dish. It’s designed for those who love a little heat, crave a smooth and cheesy sauce, and want something hearty without a lot of fuss. The secret? Every element of the recipe is built for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
It all starts with perfectly seasoned chicken, seared until golden and juicy. Then, penne pasta simmers directly in the same pan with tomatoes and chicken broth, absorbing every ounce of flavor. What makes it comforting isn’t just the cream cheese or melted Monterey Jack—it’s how the spicy, buttery sauce clings to every noodle.
On those nights when you just want to sink into something warm and deeply satisfying, a bowl of this pasta is like a spicy, creamy hug. It’s got the richness of a homemade mac and cheese but with the bold attitude of buffalo wings—and that’s exactly why it hits the spot.
And let’s talk practicality. This one-skillet wonder is tailor-made for busy weeknights. No need to boil pasta in a separate pot or babysit a sauce on the stove. Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you more time to actually enjoy your meal.
If you love dishes like lemon chicken stir fry that balance speed with big flavor, this buffalo pasta is right in your wheelhouse. It’s hearty, it’s punchy, and it gives you everything you love about comfort food—only hotter.
The Secrets Behind the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Sauce
The soul of this dish lies in its sauce. Creamy, tangy, and just the right level of spicy, it’s what brings everything together—and getting it right is easier than you might think. The heat comes from a cayenne-based hot sauce, which gets mellowed out by rich cream cheese and a pat of butter. This combo turns a bold kick into a smooth, warming finish.
But what really makes the sauce sing is balance. The acidity from the diced tomatoes cuts through the richness, while a dash of Worcestershire adds a savory depth that pulls all the flavors into harmony. It’s not just heat for the sake of heat—it’s layered, crave-worthy flavor in every spoonful.
If you’re wondering which hot sauce works best, go with a classic like Frank’s RedHot. It’s tangy, spicy, and perfectly balanced for creamy sauces. That’s why recipes like Frank’s buffalo chicken pasta are so popular—it’s a tried-and-true base that delivers on both flavor and familiarity.
Lastly, the Monterey Jack cheese gives the sauce that final gooey melt you want in a pasta dish. It’s smooth, mild, and doesn’t overpower the buffalo notes. The result? A sauce that’s not just spicy or creamy—it’s both, in perfect proportion.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time
Chicken breast can be a fickle thing in skillet recipes—overcook it and it’s dry, undercook it and you’re in trouble. The key is seasoning and timing. Before hitting the pan, bite-sized chicken pieces are tossed in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and just enough salt to wake up all the flavors. This quick spice rub creates a flavorful crust as the chicken sears.
You want your skillet hot, but not smoking. The goal is to brown the chicken on the outside to lock in moisture, not cook it all the way through just yet. That happens later, when the pasta simmers with the broth and tomatoes, and the chicken finishes cooking gently in the bubbling liquid.
By using small, even pieces, you guarantee quick, even cooking and avoid any dry bites. This method also lets the chicken absorb flavor from the pasta sauce as it cooks—so you get tender, spicy, buffalo-infused chicken with every forkful.
Making Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta in One Skillet
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. Everything happens in one skillet—from browning the chicken to melting the cheese—and that’s not just convenient, it’s smart. The flavor from the chicken seasoning and fond (those little brown bits at the bottom of the pan) get carried into the pasta as it simmers, creating a built-in depth that no separate sauce can match.
Once the pasta, tomatoes, and broth hit the pan, cover it and let the magic happen. As it simmers, the pasta soaks up the seasoned liquid, while releasing starch to help thicken the sauce naturally. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Then comes the creamy finish: cream cheese, butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire melt together into a rich, spicy sauce that wraps the pasta like a blanket. The final touch—Monterey Jack cheese—pulls it all together with a smooth, melty finish. Garnish with green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and you’re done.
It’s a similar level of weeknight-friendly ease you’d find in meals like creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta, only with a fiery buffalo flair.
Variations and Add-ins to Elevate Your Dish
Want to switch things up? Turning this dish into a creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake is an easy twist. Simply transfer the finished pasta into a baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbling and golden on top. It adds a crispy layer and gives it a heartier, casserole-style vibe—perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Looking to sneak in more vegetables? Stir in fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, or even steamed broccoli just before adding the cheese. These additions not only bring extra color and nutrition but also pair beautifully with the bold sauce.
And if you’re not into chicken, try swapping in cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or even plant-based protein. You’ll still get that spicy-creamy payoff, but with a new twist every time. Just be sure to keep the seasoning strong and the sauce creamy for the best results.
What to Serve with Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Because the dish packs a flavorful punch, pairing it with the right sides helps round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some lightly steamed veggies adds freshness and contrast. Garlic bread is another excellent partner—great for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
When it comes to drinks, something cold and crisp works best. Think chilled white wine, lemony sparkling water, or even a simple lager to cut through the richness. If you’re serving this at a casual gathering or game day, it’s the kind of dish that goes from the kitchen to the table without missing a beat.
And leftovers? Even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic lunch option. Just reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and bring it back to creamy life.
FAQ: Common Questions About Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
What is Frank’s buffalo chicken pasta and how is it different?
Frank’s buffalo chicken pasta typically highlights Frank’s RedHot as the central flavor and often leans more heavily on that signature tangy heat. This version balances Frank’s-style sauce with cream cheese, butter, and chicken broth, making it smoother and more weeknight-friendly.
How do you turn this into a creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake?
Once the pasta is finished on the stovetop, transfer it to a casserole dish, top with more shredded cheese (and breadcrumbs if you like), then bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes or broil until golden and bubbly. This adds a crispy, cheesy topping that makes it feel more like comfort food deluxe.
Can you make this dish ahead of time or freeze it?
Yes. You can make the full dish and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow it to cool fully, then freeze in portions. When reheating, add a little broth or milk and heat slowly on the stove or microwave until creamy again.
What’s the best way to reheat buffalo chicken pasta without drying it out?
Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating, either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often to maintain the creamy texture and avoid overheating, which can make the sauce separate.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Creamy Classic
There’s something undeniably irresistible about a bowl of creamy buffalo chicken pasta. It delivers on all the comforts of a cheesy pasta dish while keeping things bold and exciting with that unmistakable buffalo kick. Whether you’re whipping it up on a Tuesday night or serving it to friends on the weekend, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation.
And with just one pan, simple ingredients, and a customizable heat level, it checks every box. Flavorful, easy, and full of personality—this is not your average pasta night. It’s spicy comfort food, perfected.
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