This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is loaded with flavor, packed with protein, and ready in under 30 minutes thanks to a few easy shortcuts.
authorโs note
The 30-Minute Buffalo Pasta Everyone Loves!
Iโve made a lot of buffalo chicken recipes over the years, and I kept seeing buffalo chicken pasta pop up everywhere. I knew I wanted to make my own version, but I also knew one thing right awayโฆ it had to be simple. This is the kind of dinner Iโm making on a busy weeknight when I donโt want anything complicated or time-consuming, so I wasnโt about to turn it into a whole project.
Instead, I kept everything really straightforward and focused on what actually makes this kind of dish good. I used a really solid Alfredo sauce, paired it with buffalo sauce, and let the chicken cook in the pan long enough to get those flavorful browned bits.
The end result is exactly what I was hoping for. The sauce is creamy, a little spicy, and has that delicious buffalo flavor without being too heavy or overwhelming. It feels a little extra compared to a basic pasta dinner, but itโs still something I can throw together quickly without thinking too hard about it.
If youโre on a total buffalo chicken kick like me you have to try my buffalo chicken tenders, buffalo chicken wraps, or buffalo chicken bowl next!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip or Swap |
|---|---|
| Alfredo sauce | Use a good-quality jar or make yourself. This is the base of the flavor, so it matters more than you think. |
| Buffalo sauce | Go for a buffalo-style sauce, not straight hot sauce for better balance. |
| Chicken | Cut into thinner pieces so it cooks fast and evenly. |
| Pasta | Penne works great, but any short pasta holds the sauce well. |
| Frozen peas | Easy add-in for color and texture, but totally optional. |
| Butter | Helps the chicken get that golden sear and boosts flavor. |
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Pasta: Boil in well-salted water until just tender. Donโt skip salting the water.
- Chicken: Sear in butter until cooked through, then let it rest before chopping.
- Sauce: Add Alfredo and buffalo to the same pan and scrape up all browned bits.
- Combine: Toss in pasta, chicken, and peas and stir until coated and warmed through.
- Finish and serve: Top with blue cheese and green onions if you like and serve.
Storage
Can You Freeze This Recipe?
As with most pasta dishes, this buffalo chicken pasta recipe is best enjoyed the minute everything is tossed together.
Because of the pasta and dairy in this dish, it is not a great candidate for freezing and thawing. Dairy-filled dishes typically get grainy or the sauce can break/curdle from being frozen and thawed.
More Flavorful Pasta Recipes:
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 3 cups uncooked penne pasta or other pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Raoโs Alfredo or your favorite brand of Alfredo sauce, see note 1
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce see note 2
- 1-1/2 cups frozen peas
- Crumbled blue cheese optional
- Fresh chives or green onions, optional
Instructionsย
- Cut chicken breasts in half widthwise to make 4 thinner filets. Use a meat mallet/frying pan/your fist to give each piece a quick pound (no need to flatten, just even it out). Season each side with garlic powder and about 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper each.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt the water and cook pasta according to package instructions, minus 1 minute. Drain pasta, donโt rinse, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, add the butter to a large heavy-bottom pan. Heat on high to melt. Once melted, add chicken pieces in one layer. Cook for about 3โ4 minutes per side or until cooked through (registers 160ยฐF/juices run clear); remove to a plate. Tent with foil.
- Donโt wipe out the pan! Reduce heat to medium. Pour in entire container of Alfredo and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the chicken. Bring sauce to a simmer.
- Add cooked and drained pasta, diced chicken, and frozen peas to sauce. Toss to combine and warm through. Taste for more salt and pepper if needed. If desired, top with some blue cheese crumbles and green onions or chives. Enjoy immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Very Good & much Great. You are successful because you share all the Knowledge you know with others. Thatโs a Great sign! Good Luck
to the Future AND thanks.
Thanks so much Jimmy! ๐