Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a comforting, spicy, and creamy dish that combines the flavors of classic buffalo wings with the richness of pasta. The dish features tender pieces of chicken smothered in spicy buffalo sauce, mixed with creamy cheese sauce, and tossed with pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness, ideal for those who love spicy food but want something a little different from the typical wing experience.

The History of Ingredients

Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce, originating from Buffalo, New York, was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar. It’s made by mixing hot sauce (typically Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter, creating a tangy, spicy, and buttery sauce often used on chicken wings. The sauce has since become a popular flavor profile in many dishes, from dips to pizzas and pastas.
Chicken: Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce due to its mild flavor and tender texture. Chicken breast or thighs are commonly used in buffalo chicken recipes, as they can be easily shredded or cubed.
Pasta: Pasta serves as the base of the dish, providing a starchy backdrop to soak up the spicy, creamy sauce. Any type of pasta can be used, though penne or rotini are particularly good at holding onto the sauce.
Creamy Sauce: The creamy element of this dish typically comes from a combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and sometimes cheddar or mozzarella cheese. This balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a comforting, rich texture.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, cooked, and seasoned.
Buffalo Sauce: A mixture of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) and butter for that classic buffalo flavor.
Pasta: Any type of pasta, but penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well because their shape holds the sauce nicely.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor and depth to the creamy sauce.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Enhance the savory flavor of the sauce.
Parsley or Green Onions: For garnish and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later, and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized cubes or shredding it.
Make the Buffalo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add ½ cup of buffalo sauce and stir to combine.
- Add ½ cup of heavy cream and 4 oz. of cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the buffalo sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked chicken and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed.
Serve:
- Serve the buffalo chicken pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. You can also drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the top if you like more heat.

Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is tender and juicy by not overcooking it. Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked for too long, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice tolerance. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add more cream or cheese to tone it down.
Use Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and can be used to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Make it Ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then just combine everything with the cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Ranch Version: Add a tablespoon or two of ranch dressing to the sauce to give it a creamy, herby twist. Some people also use ranch as a topping for the pasta.
Add Veggies: For a healthier option, add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrients and texture.
Use Cauliflower: For a lower-carb version, swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower florets to create a buffalo cauliflower pasta.
Use Different Pasta: If you prefer gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, or you can also use zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter, low-carb option.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Calories: One serving of buffalo chicken pasta (about 1 cup) typically contains 450-600 calories, depending on the amount of cream, cheese, and pasta used.
Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, providing about 25-30 grams of protein per serving.
Carbs: Pasta adds significant carbs to the dish, typically 40-50 grams per serving, depending on the type of pasta.
Fat: The cream cheese and heavy cream contribute to the fat content of the dish, with about 20-30 grams of fat per serving.
Sodium: Buffalo sauce and cheese can be high in sodium, so it’s important to watch your salt intake if you’re on a low-sodium diet. Consider using low-sodium versions of the sauce and cheese.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile. Blue cheese crumbles are also a popular addition to buffalo-flavored dishes.

3. How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms to make a vegetarian version.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, and rotini are great choices because their shapes help hold the sauce, but spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle will also work well.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make the recipe dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and try dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. You may need to adjust the flavor slightly.

7. Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet? To make it low-carb, you can substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice. You can also reduce the amount of cream and cheese for a lighter option.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a comforting, spicy, and creamy dish that combines the flavors of classic buffalo wings with the richness of pasta. The dish features tender pieces of chicken smothered in spicy buffalo sauce, mixed with creamy cheese sauce, and tossed with pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. It's a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness, ideal for those who love spicy food but want something a little different from the typical wing experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 19

Servings 6

Calories 729 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank’s RedHot
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese for garnish

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, add the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to thin the sauce. Continue tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve the buffalo chicken pasta hot garnished with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese. Enjoy!

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