Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort, you’ll love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe.
It combines the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce with creamy goodness, creating a delightful balance that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
I appreciate how easily it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The tender chicken and hearty pasta create a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak the spice level to suit your preference.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients of Buffalo Chicken Pasta
When it comes to whipping up something that’s both hearty and mouthwatering, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe hits the spot. It’s a delightful medley of flavors that’ll have your friends and family begging for seconds. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients hanging around your kitchen already.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to gather before diving into this delightful dish.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon pepper
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup Frank’s red hot sauce
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 large red onion, sliced into quarter rings
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 3/4 cup milk
Now, before you start cooking, let’s chat about some of these ingredients. The chicken is the star of the show here, so make sure you get good quality breast meat—nobody wants rubbery chicken in their pasta.
And don’t skimp on the hot sauce if you like a kick; you can always adjust the amount to suit your taste buds.
Oh, and if blue cheese isn’t your jam, you could easily substitute it with ranch dressing—just don’t tell my taste buds; they might’ve strong feelings about that.
Finally, while this recipe calls for penne, you can use whatever pasta shape you have on hand. Have fun with it! Cooking is all about being creative.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a simple and rewarding process that’ll have your kitchen smelling absolutely divine. First things first, you’ll want to get your pasta cooking. Grab 1 lb of penne pasta and boil it according to the package instructions.
While that’s bubbling away, it’s time to turn your attention to the chicken. You’ll need 1 lb of chicken breast cut into strips. In a large skillet, heat up 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in 1 tablespoon paprika, 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1/2 tablespoon pepper to really amp up the flavor.
Once the oil is hot, add your chicken strips and let them sizzle. The aroma will have you dreaming of game day wings and cozy dinners.
Now, as your chicken starts to cook, about halfway through, add in 1 large red onion sliced into quarter rings and 1 cup of diced celery. These veggies will add a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish, so don’t be shy with them. Sauté everything together until the chicken is fully cooked. This may take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, pour in 1/2 cup of Frank’s red hot sauce and let it mingle with the chicken for about 2 minutes. Your taste buds will thank you.
While all this deliciousness is happening in your skillet, we need to make the creamy sauce that ties everything together. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of blue cheese dressing, and 3/4 cup of milk. This creamy concoction will elevate your dish from “just okay” to “wow, I need seconds.”
Once your pasta is cooked and drained, toss it into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Pour that creamy sauce over everything and stir gently to combine, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Just like that, you have a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it up, and watch as your family and friends dig in. You might want to hide a bowl for yourself, just in case.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Buffalo Chicken Pasta, I often find myself exploring different substitutions and variations to keep things exciting.
For a lighter option, I swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Instead of penne, I’ve tried whole wheat or gluten-free pasta with great results.
For the sauce, using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise adds a tangy flavor while reducing calories. I also love adding extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses too—cheddar or pepper jack can elevate the dish!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although I love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe, there are a few tips that can make it even better.
First, don’t skip the marinating step for the chicken; it adds incredible flavor. I also recommend using rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
If you want a creamier texture, add extra milk or cream. For a spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Finally, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Trust me, these small tweaks will elevate your pasta to a whole new level! Enjoy!