Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta is one of those comforting dishes that instantly transports me back to cozy nights spent with friends and family. I remember the very first time I made it; the kitchen was filled with mouthwatering aromas, and I could hardly wait to dig in. This dish combines the heat of buffalo sauce with tender, juicy chicken and creamy pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that satisfies my cravings any day of the week. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something special.

Everything You Need for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

The ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Pasta come together to create a truly delectable dish. Each component plays a vital role in making this meal not only delicious but also comforting. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and spicy buffalo sauce creates a flavor explosion that you won’t soon forget!

• 1 pound fettuccine noodles: This pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• 12 ounces skinless and boneless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and juicy.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, diced: Gives a sweet onion flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced: A must for that aromatic base.
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced: For a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• 1 celery rib, diced: Adds a fresh crunch and flavor.
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock: Provides the liquid base for the sauce.
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream: The key to that creamy texture.
• 5 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, or to taste: The iconic flavor that defines this dish.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Adds a salty, cheesy note.
• Chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh finish to the dish.

Preparation Steps for Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of creamy, spicy goodness!

1. Start by cooking the fettuccine noodles according to package directions. Be sure to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. This step is crucial as it will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This mixture will help prevent the chicken breasts from sticking to the pan.
3. Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for about 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the chicken has a nice golden-brown color.
4. After flipping, cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the juices run clear and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
5. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, throw in the diced leeks and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.
6. Add the pressed or minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Season with the remaining kosher salt and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
7. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. As it bubbles, scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a rolling simmer and let it cook until the stock is reduced by half, leaving about 1 cup. This should take around 5 to 10 minutes.
9. Now add the heavy cream and bring it back to a gentle simmer. Keep it on medium heat and allow it to thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce and Parmesan cheese, simmering for another minute.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and incorporate the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts, creating a glossy sauce.
11. While the sauce is cooking, slice or shred the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the chicken and the cooked fettuccine noodles to the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
12. Cook the combined mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
13. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to put a personal spin on your Buffalo Chicken Pasta, here are some ideas to consider.

• Try different noodles: Experiment with various pasta shapes like rotini or penne for a unique twist.
• Adding vegetables: Incorporate spinach or broccoli for added nutrients and color.
• Cheese options: Go for blue cheese crumbles for a tangy flavor instead of Parmesan.
• Protein variations: Substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Serving style: Enjoy it as a pasta bake by transferring it to a baking dish, topping it with cheese, and broiling until bubbly.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving Buffalo Chicken Pasta, it can stand alone but pairs beautifully with various sides, enhancing your meal experience.

• Garlic bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
• Side salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus can add a nutritious and colorful component to your meal.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the flavors of buffalo sauce.
• Fruit salad: For dessert, a light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after a rich meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or even holiday parties!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines creamy, spicy flavors that tantalize your taste buds and make it a standout dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your table. Don’t hesitate; make it tonight and indulge in its deliciousness!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines creamy, spicy flavors with tender chicken and hearty pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a delicious meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 680 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Peeler
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb fettuccine noodles
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil or canola oil
• 12 oz skinless and boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 medium celery rib, diced
• 1.5 cups chicken stock
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 5 tbsp Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, or to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• to taste chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook fettuccine noodles according to package directions, reserving ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
• While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken breasts for 7 minutes, turn, and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and their juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover with foil, and set aside to rest.
• In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the leeks and cook for about 3 minutes or until they soften. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery. Season with the remaining kosher salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the chicken stock, then bring the sauce to a boil while scraping the cooked flavor bits from the skillet. Reduce the heat to a rolling simmer and cook until the stock is reduced by half, leaving about 1 cup. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Stir in the buffalo sauce and Parmesan cheese, then cook for another minute. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts and the sauce is glossy.
• While the sauce cooks, slice or shred the chicken into thin strips. Add the chicken and fettuccine noodles to the sauce and toss to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes and season with more salt if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s the desired consistency. Garnish with parsley and serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Try different noodles: Experiment with different types of hearty noodles such as spaghetti, rotini, rigatoni, or penne pasta.
• Cheese alternatives: Garnish the pasta with a few crumbles of blue cheese instead of Parmesan cheese. Or why not use both?
• For spicier food: If you love extra heat, add more buffalo wing sauce to taste or a few shots of Tabasco.
• Cream alternatives: Use half and half or whipping cream instead of heavy cream, or try mixing in a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese.

Keyword Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Ideas, spicy pasta dishes

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.