Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta with a spicy kick—packed with tender chicken, ranch, and cheddar for the ultimate comfort food in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Craving comfort food with a kick? This dish checks all the boxes:

• Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights
• Bold buffalo flavor balanced with creamy ranch and cheese
• Hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly
• Easily adjustable heat level
• Great for leftovers or meal prep

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce
• 4 oz (115 g) light cream cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) ranch dressing
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Lower the heat. Add buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
6. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 600 kcal per serving

Variations

• Extra Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers with the sauce.
• Blue Cheese Twist: Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
• Swap Protein: Use rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for convenience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats easily.

Is it very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the heat by using more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of cream or milk.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne and fusilli are great for holding the sauce, but rotini or shells work well too.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes—just skip the browning step and stir it into the sauce to heat through.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Use your favorite brand—Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely—cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are all great additions.

Is ranch dressing essential?

It balances the heat and adds creaminess, but you can sub in sour cream or Greek yogurt if needed.

What sides go well with this dish?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes a great pairing.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta brings the heat and the comfort in one creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed dish. It’s an easy, weeknight go-to for anyone who loves bold flavors and simple prep. Whether you’re feeding the family or spicing up your dinner routine, this pasta is sure to be a hit.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

---

• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy buffalo chicken pasta with a spicy kick—packed with tender chicken, ranch, and cheddar for the ultimate comfort food in just 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce

• 4 oz (115 g) light cream cheese

• ½ cup (120 ml) ranch dressing

• ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season, and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.

3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Reduce heat, add buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch. Stir until creamy and smooth.

5. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

6. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken to speed things up.
• Adjust buffalo sauce to your heat preference.
• Top with blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American