Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, equal to 1 lb.; ½ cup blue cheese dressing, can substitute with ranch; ½ cup yellow onion, diced; 1 stick celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 lb. penne pasta; ½ cup buffalo sauce; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional; 2 tablespoons cold butter, optional

Getting a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner on the table takes just over half an hour with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe. It’s loaded with spicy buffalo flavor, melty cheese, and tender shredded chicken – everything you want when you need a hearty meal with a bit of a kick.

The image shows a creamy pasta dish in a large white pan with black edges and handles on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: a base of penne pasta coated in a thick, light orange sauce, scattered pieces of cooked light brown chicken mixed evenly throughout, and small green chopped herbs sprinkled on top for color. There are also small bits of red, likely tomatoes, blended within the sauce. The texture looks smooth and rich with some chunkiness from the chicken and tomatoes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s such a satisfying combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, plus it’s straightforward enough for even a busy weeknight.

Bold flavor punch: The buffalo sauce paired with creamy cheeses gives a perfectly balanced spicy and tangy profile.
One-pot convenience: You cook the pasta right in the sauce, which means less cleanup and maximum flavor absorption.
Customizable protein: You can use shredded chicken from leftovers or rotisserie for a fast shortcut.
Rich, creamy texture: The blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella gives a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and creamy texture. Here’s why each one matters, plus some tips to get the best results when shopping.

Flat lay of a large raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl of creamy blue cheese dressing, two small white bowls with soft butter cubes, a small white bowl of diced yellow onion, a small white bowl of diced celery stalk, a small white bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl with fresh diced tomatoes including juices, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, a small white bowl with bright orange buffalo sauce, a small white bowl with cubed cream cheese, a small white bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few red pepper flakes scattered on the surface, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed beside the bowls, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Easy to shred after a gentle boil, it soaks up flavors beautifully without drying out.
Blue cheese dressing: Gives that tangy, creamy element. Ranch works too if you prefer it milder.
Butter: Helps soften veggies and finish the sauce with extra silkiness.
Yellow onion and celery: Add sweet, aromatic depth and balance out the heat.
Garlic: A must for savory richness.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds acidity and moisture, keeping the sauce flavorful and fresh.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid for the pasta; it adds savory notes and helps build the sauce.
Penne pasta: Perfect shape and texture for holding onto every bit of that cheesy buffalo sauce.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, delivering that spicy kick we all want.
Cream cheese: For dreamy creaminess, make sure it’s softened before adding to prevent lumps.
Cheddar and mozzarella: A creamy, cheesy blend with a bit of sharp bite and gooeyness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone wanting the heat amped up a notch.
Cold butter (optional): Stirred in at the end for that luxurious “monter au beurre” finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love switching up different elements based on what I have at hand or who I’m cooking for.

Variation: If I’m feeling extra lazy, I use rotisserie chicken and ranch dressing instead of blue cheese. It still turns out deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Less spicy: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount or leave out the red pepper flakes if you prefer mild flavors – the cheese combo still shines.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower and use vegetable broth; it’s surprisingly tasty and hearty.
Extra sauce: I sometimes reduce the pasta slightly to get more sauce leftover for great next-day reheating.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe

A close-up view of a white plate filled with creamy penne pasta coated in a thick orange sauce. The pasta is mixed with chunks of cooked chicken and pieces of red tomato, sprinkled with green herb bits on top. The sauce has a smooth texture, covering each pasta piece evenly. A silver fork rests on the plate's edge, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Boil and Shred the Chicken

This is an easy but crucial step. I like to cook the chicken over a gentle boil—not a rolling boil—to keep it tender and juicy. Toss in some chicken bouillon cubes to infuse flavor while it cooks. After 15 minutes, it’s perfect to shred with two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with blue cheese dressing (or ranch if that’s your preference) and set it aside while you start the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Prepare the Pasta

In a large, deep skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and cook diced onion and celery until soft—about 5 minutes. Then, garlic goes in for just a minute to wake everything up. Next, add the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing everything to a boil. Once boiling, submerge the penne pasta and bring back to a boil, then cover and cook until al dente—usually about 10-13 minutes. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking, and tasting a piece is key before moving on.

Step 3: Create That Creamy Buffalo Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t worry if it looks thin at first — it thickens as it sits. Add in the shredded chicken and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. For a silky finish, I love swirling in cold butter at the end — it’s a chef’s trick called “monter au beurre” that makes the sauce amazingly smooth.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things making this Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe that really help perfect the final dish—don’t skip these!

Soften cheese ahead: Taking the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella out before cooking prevents clumps and ensures smooth melting.
Gently boil chicken: A tough chicken breast ruins the texture. A gentle simmer keeps it juicy and shreddable.
Stir pasta carefully: When cooking pasta in broth, stirring occasionally prevents sticking without breaking up the noodles.
Butter finish: The cold butter whisked in last adds richness and a glossy finish that makes the dish restaurant-quality.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with brownish-orange broth soup with small chunks of vegetables floating in it. On top of the soup, there is a pile of uncooked yellow penne pasta neatly placed in the center, showing the pasta's tubular shape and hollow ends. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top, plus some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and a fresh pop. Crumbling blue cheese over the top amps up the tang if you’re a fan. And if you want more heat, a tiny pinch of fresh red chili flakes is perfect.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and flavorful, so I like to pair it with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest and olive oil. Garlic bread also works well for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the pasta in individual small cast iron skillets or rustic baking dishes, topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce. It creates a cozy, shareable vibe that's always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up more sauce overnight, making it even more flavorful. Just stir gently before reheating to reincorporate any liquid.

Freezing

This dish freezes well — I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend overnight thaw in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring every minute helps keep the sauce creamy instead of separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and still tastes great. Just shred and toss it with the blue cheese dressing before adding it to the pasta.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is ideal since its ridges and hollow center hold onto the creamy buffalo cheese sauce really well. Other similar shaped pastas like rigatoni or ziti can also work nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies on several cheeses for its signature creaminess and flavor, so it would need significant adjustments to be dairy-free or vegan. Substituting vegan cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives might work, but the texture and taste will differ.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta?

It has a moderate level of heat from the buffalo sauce and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by using less buffalo sauce or skipping the red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cheese Recipe is one of those meals I love coming back to again and again. It’s the perfect mix of cozy, spicy, and cheesy that feels like a big warm hug after a busy day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you’ll find it’s a great dish to feed family or friends, and it reheats beautifully for next-day lunches. Go ahead, get comfortable and dive into that creamy buffalo goodness!