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- 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Start with 8 ounces of penne pasta. This shape hugs the sauce well. You’ll need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. Rotisserie chicken works great here! Next, grab 1 cup of buffalo sauce. You can adjust this to your spice level. Then, you’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream to create that luscious sauce. For cheese lovers, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds flavor and creaminess. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté your garlic. Speaking of garlic, you need 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and paprika. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! For garnish, chopped green onions or parsley adds a fresh touch. These ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful meal. Enjoy the process as you prepare this delicious buffalo chicken pasta! 1. Bringing Water to a Boil: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Set the pot on high heat and wait for it to boil. You will know it's ready when large bubbles form. 2. Cooking Time for Penne: Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, firm but not hard. Drain it in a colander when done and set aside. 1. Sautéing the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it! 2. Combining Chicken and Buffalo Sauce: Next, add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of buffalo sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste. Stir everything well so the chicken gets coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through. 1. Adding Heavy Cream and Seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream to the chicken mix. Stir it all together until combined. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. 2. Simmering for Thickness: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps it thicken up a bit and blend the flavors. 1. Mixing in Cheddar Cheese: Gradually add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. 2. Combining Sauce with Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well covered with the buffalo chicken sauce. 3. Garnishing Before Serving: Serve the pasta hot on plates. Top with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful meal! - Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Pasta Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the penne and cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm when bitten. Drain the pasta, but reserve a cup of the pasta water. It helps to improve the sauce later. - Tips for Sautéing Garlic Use medium heat to sauté minced garlic. This keeps it from burning. Cook it for about one minute until it smells great. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter, so watch it closely. - Adjusting Buffalo Sauce Levels You can change how spicy your dish is by adding more or less buffalo sauce. Start with one cup. Taste it and decide if you want more heat. Just remember, it’s easy to add spice, but hard to take it away. - Cheese Variations While cheddar cheese is great, you can try other types too. Cream cheese can make the sauce extra creamy. Blue cheese adds a different flavor. Experiment to find your favorite mix! - Presentation Tips To make your dish look nice, use a large bowl. Toss the pasta and sauce together well. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for color. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds a nice touch. - Pairing Options with Salad or Bread Serve your pasta with a side salad for a fresh bite. Garlic bread is also a tasty choice. Both can balance the spicy flavors and make your meal complete. {{image_2}} Using Different Pasta Types You can swap penne for any pasta you like. Bowtie, rotini, or even spaghetti work well. Each type brings its own fun twist. Just keep the cooking time in mind as it may vary. Substituting Chicken with Other Proteins If you want a change, try using turkey or shredded beef. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein adds its own flavor to the dish. Making it Dairy-Free To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Use a dairy-free cheese for that creamy touch. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal. Gluten-Free Version For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands available. Just make sure to check the sauce for gluten ingredients. Adding More Heat If you love heat, add more buffalo sauce or some chopped jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Adjust it to your taste for a spicy thrill. Mild Alternatives If you prefer less spice, use a milder wing sauce. You can also mix in some ranch dressing to tone down the heat. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy goodness without the burn. Refrigeration Guidelines After you finish your meal, let the pasta cool down. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors locked in. Reheating Techniques When it’s time to eat again, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Stir it often until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. How to Freeze and Thaw Properly You can freeze the buffalo chicken pasta if you want to save some for later. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Recommended Freezer Containers Use plastic containers or freezer bags for easy storage. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. Label your containers with the date so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken in this recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken before mixing it with the buffalo sauce. How long does it take to cook? This dish takes about 25 minutes to cook. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking everything together. What can I substitute for buffalo sauce? If you want a milder taste, use barbecue sauce instead. You can also mix hot sauce with ranch dressing for a creamy twist. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners. Caloric content per serving Each serving has around 600 calories. This can vary based on the amount of cheese and sauce you use. Healthier ingredient options To make it lighter, use low-fat cream or reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. This blog post detailed how to make Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. You learned about all the ingredients needed, from penne pasta to garnishes. I explained the cooking steps clearly, so you can follow along. Tips and variations help make the dish yours, whether you're a novice or seasoned cook. You now know the best ways to store it, along with FAQs for any lingering questions. Enjoy creating and sharing this tasty dish with friends and family!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe! Combining tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy buffalo sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners. It's easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's sure to impress everyone at your table. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and spice up your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with buffalo sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken thoroughly.

        Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Then add the onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Mix in Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, mixing well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the buffalo chicken sauce.

              Serve: Plate the spicy buffalo chicken pasta and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | Serves 4