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Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy, Spicy & Totally Addictive Comfort Food

If you love bold, creamy, cheesy comfort food with a spicy kick, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite indulgent dinner. It combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic and onions, perfectly cooked penne pasta, rich cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and plenty of buffalo sauce for a spicy, ultra-creamy, flavor-packed dish. This recipe takes everything people adore about buffalo chicken — the tang, the heat, the addictiveness — and turns it into a mouthwatering pasta that feels cozy, satisfying, and restaurant-level delicious. As the creamy buffalo sauce coats each piece of penne, the flavors blend harmoniously into a silky, spicy, cheesy dream. Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner, a warm and comforting meal for family, or a dish that will impress guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream gives the sauce that velvety texture, while mozzarella and Parmesan add depth, richness, and the perfect melt. This dish is everything comfort food should be — bold, creamy, exciting, warm, and easy to make. One bite and you'll want to make it again and again.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Ingredients
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley
Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta
Buffalo Cream Sauce
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Strainer
  • Cheese grater
  • Heatproof spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
  2. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually 10–12 minutes.
  3. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
  4. Set aside.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, until:
  4. Golden
  5. Slightly crispy on edges
  6. Fully cooked
  7. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add:
  2. Butter
  3. Minced garlic
  4. Chopped onion
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
  1. Add cream cheese and let it soften.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
  3. Add:
  4. Buffalo sauce
  5. Parmesan cheese
  6. Mozzarella cheese
  7. Whisk until melted and silky.
  8. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce.
  2. Mix in the cooked penne pasta.
  3. Stir well until pasta is fully coated.
  4. Add parsley and green onions.
  5. Simmer 2 minutes to let flavors develop.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Serve warm with:
  2. Extra Parmesan
  3. Fresh parsley
  4. Green onions
  5. Drizzle of buffalo sauce (optional)

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze up to 2 months, but note cream sauce may change texture.
Reheating
Stovetop: Add splash of milk or cream
Microwave: 45–60 seconds, stir halfway
Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
Add extra buffalo sauce when reheating to re-brighten flavor.
🥄 Variations
1. Extra Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes or extra buffalo sauce.
2. Ranch Buffalo Pasta
Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning to the sauce.
3. Cheesy Baked Buffalo Pasta
Top with mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes.
4. Veggie Boost
Add:
Spinach
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Corn
5. Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
6. Chicken Thigh Version
Use boneless skinless thighs for extra juiciness.
7. Crispy Chicken Version
Air fry or oven-bake the chicken first, then mix into the sauce.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Is buffalo pasta very spicy?
Medium heat — adjust sauce to your preference.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — rotisserie or leftover chicken works.
3. What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but sauce will be thinner.
5. Does mozzarella melt well?
Yes — it makes the sauce extra gooey and creamy.
6. Is cream cheese necessary?
It makes the sauce velvety and rich — highly recommended.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and cheese, but texture will differ.
8. Can I meal prep this?
Yes — reheats beautifully with milk added.
9. Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work perfectly.
10. Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes — for a crunchy baked topping.
🏁 Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, cheesy, and comforting. Every bite delivers satisfying heat from buffalo sauce, rich creaminess from the cheese blend, and juicy tenderness from the chicken. It’s a warm hug in a bowl — simple to prepare yet bold enough to feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a family gathering, this recipe always brings excitement to the table. Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness create a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable.
Creamy. Spicy. Cheesy.
The perfect comfort pasta every time.