Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delicious fusion of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy pasta. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Why This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Is the Best
- Spicy Buffalo Sauce: The pasta is coated in a creamy and spicy buffalo sauce, adding a kick to every bite.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken pieces are cooked until tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Creamy and Rich: The sauce is a perfect blend of buffalo sauce and cheese, making it rich and creamy.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Topped with fresh parsley, the dish looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of spicy sauce, tender chicken, and creamy pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein with a mild flavor that pairs well with bold buffalo seasoning.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Adds layers of flavor to the chicken, with cayenne pepper bringing the signature spicy kick that defines buffalo dishes.
- Cooking Oil: Helps the chicken sear and develop a golden crust, sealing in flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, balancing the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy, spicy sauce well with its tubular shape, making each bite full of flavor.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity that brightens up the buffalo sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Thins out the sauce slightly, creating a velvety, savory base.
- Cream Cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy richness that mellows the spiciness and adds a luxurious texture to the sauce.
- Hot Sauce: Provides the iconic buffalo flavor with heat and tang, making the dish bold and flavorful.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle depth of umami, enhancing the savory notes of the sauce.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a mild, creamy element that balances the spicy flavors.
- Green Onions (optional): Provides a fresh, mildly sharp garnish that complements the creaminess and adds a pop of color.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Season Generously: Season the sauce with your favorite spices and herbs for maximum flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Top the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines creamy, spicy, and tangy elements for a comforting dish with a buffalo-inspired twist. It’s great for anyone who loves classic buffalo flavors with a comforting pasta base. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal option!
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (approx. ⅔ lb.)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tabelspoon cooking oil
- 2 tabelspoon butter
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 2 green onions sliced (opt)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into ½-¾ inch pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt, then sprinkle over the chicken. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- In a large deep skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high until very hot. Add the chicken, letting it brown on all sides. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage.
- In the skillet with the chicken, combine the uncooked pasta, canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, and the chicken broth. Give it a good stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the broth reach a vigorous simmer. It's fine if the broth doesn't completely cover the pasta. Once it’s simmering, give the pasta a quick stir, replace the lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Let the pasta simmer in the broth for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until it's tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir the mixture once or twice during this time, remembering to cover it again with the lid after each stir.
- When the pasta is tender and just a bit of thickened liquid is left in the skillet, chop the cream cheese into pieces and add it to the pasta along with the butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture and cook over medium-low heat until the cream cheese has completely melted into the pasta.
- Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until it melts into the sauce. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions on top, and serve while it's hot.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta