Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy

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Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy

Welcome to a flavorful adventure with my Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy! If you’re like me, juggling a busy schedule, you crave meals that don’t just fill your stomach but warm your heart too. This dish brings together the comforting flavors of creamy pasta with a fiery kick from Buffalo sauce. Picture that satisfying, creamy indulgence, paired with tender chicken and al dente pasta. Perfect for quick family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to impress your loved ones without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy

Life can be chaotic, especially for busy moms and professionals like us. That’s why I cherish recipes that are not only easy but also loaded with flavor, like this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a creamy, zesty dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s a hit with picky eaters and will have everyone eagerly asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish, along with a few helpful tips to spice things up.

  • Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite cheesy and delicious.
  • Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast; rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the base and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced, it infuses the dish with aromatic delight and a lovely depth of flavor.
  • Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show! Adjust the spiciness to your preference—don’t be shy!
  • Cream cheese: This creamy dream creates that luscious, velvety sauce we all adore.
  • Sour cream: Adds a tangy finish and helps to balance the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
  • Milk: Thins the sauce slightly, creating a lovely creamy consistency.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly into the sauce, offering that comforting chew.
  • Shredded cheddar: For a sharp flavor kick, this cheese complements the Buffalo sauce beautifully.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this creamy concoction.
  • Smoked paprika (optional): Just a pinch can add a subtle smokiness that elevates your dish.
  • Green onions: Their fresh crunch is a beautiful garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.
  • Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens the dish and adds a hint of freshness.

These flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. For exact measurements, look at the bottom of the article—perfect for printing!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this buffalo chicken pasta creamy spicy dish. I promise, it’s easy, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.

Once it’s bubbling, toss in your penne or rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente.

Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!

When it’s done, drain the pasta well and set it aside. You want to keep it warm while making the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Once the butter is foamy, toss in the minced garlic.

Sauté it for about a minute, or until it’s fragrant and lightly golden.

This little step is crucial; it’s where the magic starts!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Now for the fun part—creating that creamy, zesty sauce!

Add the Buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk to the skillet with the garlic.

Whisk continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and thickening.

You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like a delicious, velvety dream.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

It’s cheese time!

Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then stir until both are fully melted and combined into the sauce.

If you find yourself dreaming about this creamy concoction, you’re not alone!

Make sure every ounce of cheese is incorporated—that’s the secret to a rich, cheesy flavor!

Step 5: Incorporate the Chicken

Next, add in your shredded or diced cooked chicken.

Season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous.

Stir gently and heat everything for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken is warmed through.

Your kitchen should be smelling heavenly right now!

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Finally, it’s time to unite the flavors!

Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet, and toss everything together.

Be sure the pasta is well coated with that luscious Buffalo cream sauce.

Remove the skillet from the heat and prepare to serve it up hot with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh parsley for that finishing touch!

Tips for Success

  • Cook your pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixing with the sauce.
  • For an extra creamy dish, consider using full-fat cream cheese and whole milk.
  • Feel free to scale the heat level by adjusting the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your family’s taste.
  • Prepare the sauce in advance and just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
  • Leftovers can be reheated on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot: For boiling the pasta. A Dutch oven works well too!
  • Skillet or Dutch oven: To make your creamy sauce. Any large skillet will do.
  • Whisk: For smoothly blending the sauce. A fork can work in a pinch!
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and combining your ingredients.
  • Colander: For draining the pasta. Alternatively, you can use a slotted spoon.

Variations

  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Veggies: Toss in some spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to add healthy veggies and color.
  • Spicy Garlic Buffalo Chicken: For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the creamy sauce mix.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
  • Low-Fat Version: Substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for sour cream to cut down on calories.
  • Buffalo Chicken Alfredo: Mix in Alfredo sauce along with the Buffalo sauce for a rich comfort food twist!

Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
  • Simple Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
  • Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
  • Presentation: Garnish with extra green onions and parsley for a pop of color that brightens your plate!

FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Frozen cooked chicken can be thawed and shredded, but ensure it’s heated thoroughly before adding it to the sauce for optimal flavor.

How can I make this dish less spicy? If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce used. You can also mix in some extra cream cheese or sour cream to balance the heat!

Can I meal prep Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy? Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

What other cheeses can I use? Feel free to experiment with cheese blends. Pepper jack offers a nice spicy twist, while gouda or fontina can add a deep, smoky flavor.

Is it gluten-free? This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta! The delicious flavors will still shine through!

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings a family together like a cozy meal, and my Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy does just that! This dish is a celebration of comfort, with its creamy texture and zesty flavors dancing harmoniously on your palate. Each bite is like a warm hug, ready to melt away a busy day’s stresses.

Whether you whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, I guarantee this recipe will have everyone smiling and coming back for more. Give it a try, and let the flavors do the talking! Your taste buds will thank you!

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy Spicy


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  • Author: Clara Hastings
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A creamy and spicy dish featuring pasta and shredded chicken coated in a zesty Buffalo sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
  • 7 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Add Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and beginning to thicken, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the sauce. Stir until both are fully melted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
  5. Fold in shredded or diced cooked chicken along with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is warmed through.
  6. Transfer drained pasta into the skillet. Toss well until pasta is evenly coated with the Buffalo cream sauce.
  7. Remove the pan from heat. Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Buffalo sauce.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated, but the pasta may soak up some sauce.
  • Adding extra cheese can enhance creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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Lora Carter

Welcome to At Recipes Inspired, we believe food speaks a universal language—one of comfort, curiosity, creativity, and connection. Founded by Lora, a devoted home cook and cultural food enthusiast, this blog is your passport to exploring the heart of global cuisine from the warmth of your own kitchen.

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