Oh boy, let me tell you about my love for buffalo chicken pasta! It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made it—my friends were over for a casual dinner, and I wanted something simple yet delicious. This recipe turned out to be a total crowd-pleaser! It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress without stressing out. Trust me, once you try this buffalo chicken pasta, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fabulous dish! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 oz penne pasta: This will serve as the base of your dish. Cook it al dente for the best texture!
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use leftover chicken or, for ease, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time and tastes amazing!
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: This is where the magic happens! Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance—go lighter if you prefer a milder flavor.
• 1 cup ranch dressing: This creamy addition balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A must for that ooey-gooey top! Feel free to use a blend of cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous.
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to your dish. Plus, they taste great!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking for the best flavor!

Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start cooking—this will make the process smooth and enjoyable! Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this buffalo chicken pasta! I promise it’s super easy and totally rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that penne pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes. You’ll want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. To check, just taste a piece! If it’s firm but not crunchy, you’re golden. Once done, drain it and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now, in a large mixing bowl, let’s bring the star of the show together—our shredded chicken and buffalo sauce! If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, just shred it up with your hands or a couple of forks. It’s so tender and makes life easier! Pour in the buffalo sauce and mix it all together until the chicken is nicely coated. Feel free to adjust the sauce amount to match your spice preference; I like mine with a nice kick!

Step 3: Mix in the Pasta

Time to add that cooked penne! Toss the pasta right into the chicken mixture and give it a good stir. You want every piece of pasta to get a taste of that buffalo goodness! Don’t be shy with the mixing—just make sure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add Ranch Dressing

Next up is the ranch dressing. Drizzle it over the pasta and chicken mixture, then mix again! This is where the magic happens; the creamy ranch balances out the spicy buffalo sauce and makes everything so luscious. Make sure everything is evenly coated—you don’t want any dry pasta hiding in there!

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grab a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one), and transfer your mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. It’s like spreading a warm blanket over the pasta—nice and cozy!

Step 6: Add Toppings

Now for the fun part—toppings! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. I mean, who doesn’t love a cheesy finish? Then add those chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a little extra buffalo sauce on top!

Step 7: Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s ready, pop your baking dish in and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly—oh, that glorious sight! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, just to avoid any hot cheese disasters. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your buffalo chicken pasta turns out absolutely delicious! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to help you along the way:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember, al dente is your best friend! If you overcook it, the pasta can turn mushy once baked. Keep an eye on it and taste a piece just before draining!
• Use rotisserie chicken: I can’t stress this enough! It’s not just a time-saver; it adds such great flavor and tenderness. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of cooking chicken from scratch.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re unsure about the buffalo sauce, start with less and add more to taste as you mix. You can always spice it up, but you can’t take it down once it’s in there!
• Mix thoroughly: Make sure you really mix everything together well—especially the ranch dressing. You want every bite to be creamy and flavorful, not just the top layer!
• Let it cool: I know the cheesy deliciousness is calling your name, but letting it cool for a few minutes after baking helps everything set and makes serving easier. Plus, it prevents any cheese burns!
• Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding crumbled blue cheese, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of parsley for extra color and flavor. Make it your own!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a buffalo chicken pasta pro in no time! Enjoy the cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know many of you are curious about the nutritional side of things, and that’s totally understandable! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each serving of this buffalo chicken pasta:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that this information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs. Enjoy your cooking and your delicious buffalo chicken pasta!

FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Got questions about this buffalo chicken pasta recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best answers:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While I love penne for this dish, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Rotini or fusilli would work great too! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level really depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. If you’re not sure, start with less and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want a kick! And if you prefer a milder flavor, consider using a milder wing sauce or mixing in some extra ranch dressing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven to bake. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks!

What can I serve with buffalo chicken pasta?

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can always pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. If you want to keep it light, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette works perfectly!

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through. It’s a great way to have a quick meal ready to go!

Hope this clears things up! If you have more questions, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This buffalo chicken pasta comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast!
• Beginner-Friendly: The steps are simple and straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro by the time you serve it up!
• Flavor-Packed: With the spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, every bite is full of bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings, making it a dish that can be tailored to your tastes.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without any extra work!
• Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone at the table is happy and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious buffalo chicken pasta, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a complete meal! Trust me, you’ll want to round it out with some tasty sides that complement those bold flavors.

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate and adds that comforting touch.
• Crispy Salad: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the pasta. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and maybe even a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor!
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. The coolness of the slaw pairs beautifully with the spicy buffalo chicken, creating a delightful contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try serving a side of seasoned roasted veggies, like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. They add color, nutrition, and a lovely roasted flavor that complements the pasta.
• Potato Wedges: For something a bit heartier, crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries are a fantastic choice! They add a satisfying crunch and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing end to your meal. It’s sweet, juicy, and a perfect palate cleanser after that spicy pasta.

Mix and match these sides based on your mood or what you have on hand, and you’ll have a delightful meal that everyone will love! Happy serving!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta: 7 Steps to Comforting Deliciousness

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple and delicious buffalo chicken pasta recipe perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well.
3. Add cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
4. Pour in ranch dressing and mix until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
• Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your spice preference.
• Garnish with extra green onions for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, beginner pasta dish