Welcome to a culinary adventure where spice meets creaminess in a comforting dish – Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This delightful recipe combines the fiery zest of buffalo sauce with the soothing texture of creamy pasta, making it a perfect meal for spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Equipments
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan for cooking chicken
- Whisk or spoon for mixing sauce
- Colander for draining pasta
- Serving dish
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta, giving it a good stir to prevent clumping, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. This generally takes about 8–10 minutes, depending on the pasta type. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest using a colander. The reserved pasta water can be adjusted into your sauce if you find it too thick later on. Set the drained pasta aside as you prepare your creamy, spicy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and seasoning distribution. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Cook them in the pan until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the chicken is juicy and tender. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken pieces from the pan and let them rest on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add butter, allowing it to melt gently. Stir in buffalo sauce, using your whisk to blend the two ingredients smoothly. Next, slowly pour in the cream while continuously whisking to combine all elements into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Adjust the heat to medium, allowing the sauce to bubble gently and thicken, usually around 3–5 minutes. For added creaminess, incorporate cream cheese or blue cheese crumbles to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir to coat each piece of chicken in the rich buffalo sauce. Then, gently fold in your cooked pasta, ensuring an even distribution of sauce throughout. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency. Allow everything to heat together for another 2 minutes on low heat, infusing the flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Serve your buffalo chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or celery for an extra crunch. Add a sprinkle of parmesan or additional cheese of choice for a burst of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente; it will continue to absorb the sauce once combined. For a deeper flavor profile, marinate the chicken in a buffalo sauce blend overnight. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce and adding more or less cream. Remember, the reserved pasta water can rescue any sauce that’s overly thick by thinning it gently.
High-Protein Version: Fuel Your Day
To transform your creamy buffalo chicken pasta into a high-protein powerhouse, consider using whole-grain pasta or chickpea pasta, which brings more protein and fiber. Add more chicken or incorporate protein-rich ingredients like white beans or tofu for a vegetarian option. Sprinkle generous amounts of shredded cheese to elevate the protein content while enhancing the taste.
Low-Carb Edition: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Zoodles
If you’re craving the flavors of buffalo chicken pasta but are mindful of carbs, substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb alternative. Cooking time will be reduced as zoodles only need quick heating. Enjoy the same rich and spicy sauce without sacrificing your low-carb goals. Toss in extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.
Storage Instructions
Your creamy buffalo chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may not thaw evenly.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute with any pasta variety of your choice.
- What’s the best way to make it less spicy? Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the cream or add a spoonful of sour cream.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Use coconut cream and dairy-free margarine.
- What’s a good substitute for chicken? Tofu or mushrooms make great plant-based proteins to try.
Let’s Wrap It Up – Share the Flavor!
If you love a dish that combines spice and creaminess, this creamy buffalo chicken pasta is your go-to recipe. Celebrate the bold flavors in your kitchen and share it with your family and friends. Let us know your favorite twists in the comments below and don’t forget to share this recipe if it hit the right spot!
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pasta
- Buffalo sauce
- Chicken breast
- Cream
- Butter
- Blue cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a frying pan and cook diced chicken until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, make the buffalo sauce by melting butter and mixing in the buffalo sauce. Gradually add cream and whisk until smooth.
- Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce. Stir until well coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the desired sauce consistency.