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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a spicy, comforting dish combining tender chicken chunks with a luscious creamy buffalo sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This bold-flavored, quick, and easy one-pot meal delivers a satisfying balance of heat and creaminess, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Pasta & Cheese

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Garnishes

  • Fresh herbs or chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the buffalo sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and diced onions to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in hot sauce, heavy cream or cream cheese, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy buffalo sauce.
  4. Combine and cook together: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce until well coated. Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheese, tossing gently until everything is heated through and evenly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs or green onions over the pasta to brighten the dish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, quality buffalo hot sauce for the best flavor instead of pre-mixed wing sauces.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
  • Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency to your preference.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are cooked thoroughly but remain juicy for the best texture.
  • If the sauce is too spicy, balance heat by adding extra cream or cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, one pot meal, buffalo sauce, chicken pasta

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-pasta/