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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creamy, spicy, and ready in 30 minutes! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, ranch, and melty cheeses for a one-pot dinner that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g 10.5 oz pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 30 g 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 450 g 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium shallot finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 250 ml 1 cup chicken stock (low-sodium recommended)
  • 150 g 5.5 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp buffalo wing sauce e.g., Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 tbsp ranch dressing
  • 100 g 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 100 g 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated (substitute: Gouda)
  • To taste kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package’s al dente instructions. Reserve 250 ml (1 cup) of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
  • Build the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add diced shallot and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Pour in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add softened cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk continuously until fully melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing until combined.
  • Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat in the sauce. If the mixture appears thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the pasta. Gently fold until cheeses melt and the sauce becomes velvety, about 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve Immediately: Divide into bowls and garnish with optional chopped parsley or extra buffalo sauce. Best enjoyed fresh.
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