Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Corinne Schmitt
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delicious combination of cheesy pasta, spicy Buffalo chicken, and creamy ranch dressing. The flavor profile is sure to please any crowd and it’s also an easy dish that comes together quickly with minimal effort.
This cheesy dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s easy to customize to suit your taste buds. If you love pasta recipes then next time you may want to give this Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe a try.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Dish
I love pasta dishes that are full of chicken because chicken is such a great source of protein and it’s extremely versatile. This flavorful chicken pasta is no exception!
Why I Love This Recipe
This pasta is a delicious and easy meal that comes together quickly with minimal effort. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, and it has all the flavors of your favorite buffalo chicken dish.
- Easy to make
- Perfect for picky eaters
- Fills the house with a delicious aroma
If you love chicken recipes, then give this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe a try.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this delicious recipe. All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you won’t regret making the trip after the first bite of this tasty meal.
Pasta – You can use any shape that you prefer, I like to use a pasta with ridges like rotini, or penne pasta so that the sauce has something to cling to.
Chicken – You will need some boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been chopped into cubes.
Cheese – For this recipe you will need cream cheese, blue cheese and cheddar cheese.
Substitutions
Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead.
Dressing: If you are not a fan of blue cheese dressing you could use ranch dressing instead.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
This recipe is very versatile, there are so many ways to customize it to make it your own.
Vegetables: Add in some diced bell peppers or broccoli for a bit of crunch.
Spice: For an extra kick of heat, you can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Herbs: You can add in herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You only need a couple of kitchen tools to help you make this pasta recipe.
How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Making this chicken pasta recipe is so simple. Just follow the instructions below and you will have a delicious meal in no time at all.
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain the cooked pasta but do not rinse.
Step 2: Heat the chicken
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chopped chicken with salt, pepper and ranch seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (approximately 6-8 minutes).
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet
Remove the chicken to a clean plate as you prepare the cream sauce.
Step 4: Start the cream sauce
Place the chicken broth in the skillet and bring to a simmer, then add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir as the cream cheese melts.
Step 5: Add the buffalo sauce
Add the Buffalo sauce and milk and cook until the sauce is smooth and completely consistent.
Step 6: Toss the pasta
Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir to coat completely in the sauce.
Step 7: Add the cheese
Add half of the blue cheese and cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
Step 8: Garnish before serving
Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and green onions overtop and allow to melt before removing from heat.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this chicken pasta with a vegetable side like these Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables or these Air Fryer Breadsticks.
Pro Tips
This recipe is definitely a crowd pleaser, but here are a few pro tips to help you make the perfect dish.
- Chop the chicken into cubes that are similar in size. This will ensure even cooking of the chicken.
- Make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper. If you season the chicken properly, it will have a great flavor.
- Full fat cream cheese will help the sauce to thicken and be creamy.
- This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add any of your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, olives or bacon bits!
FAQs
Do you have questions about this buffalo chicken recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Leftovers of this pasta dish should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through. Or you can reheat in the microwave. If you find that your pasta is dry, add a little milk, heavy cream, or water to make it creamy again.
Yes, this recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to allow it to thaw completely before reheating.
More Pasta Recipes
If you like pasta, give these recipes a try:
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet
- large pot or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups Pasta uncooked
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 cups Chicken chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese softened (as desired). You could use up to 8 ounces.
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Milk as desired (optional)
- 1-2 cups Chicken Broth as needed
- 1/4 cup Buffalo-style Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup Blue Cheese divided
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Green Onion sliced thin
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chopped chicken with salt, pepper and ranch seasoning.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (approximately 6-8 minutes).
- Remove the chicken to a clean plate as you prepare the cream sauce.
- Place the chicken broth in the skillet and bring to a simmer, then add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir as the cream cheese melts.
- Add the Buffalo sauce and milk and cook until the sauce is smooth and completely consistent.
- Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir to coat completely in the sauce.
- Add half of the blue cheese and cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and green onions overtop and allow to melt before removing from heat.
Notes
- Chop the chicken into cubes that are similar in size. This will ensure even cooking of the chicken.
- Make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper. If you season the chicken properly, it will have a great flavor.
- Full fat cream cheese will help the sauce to thicken and be creamy.
- This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add any of your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, olives or bacon bits!