This buffalo chicken penne pasta dish is so easy to prepare and so delicious! We have been gone A LOT this summer and when we came back Wednesday from a conference up north, there was not much food in the house to eat. Alexa has been at college for a week and Brett was still in Germany so it’s been just the two of us for the last few days. I opened up the freezer to see what might be lurking in there or if there was anything I could throw together with the few groceries we had around.
There was some frozen shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken! It was already cooked and just needed to be thawed out, Hallelujah! The other ingredients are staples we always pretty much have in the house. Cheddar cheese, pasta, ranch dressing, cream cheese, pretty basic stuff. But put them all together and you have some hot, spicy, cheesy love.
Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
BUFFALO CHICKEN PENNE PASTA
Equipment
- 11 skillet
Ingredients
- 2 c. shredded chicken
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- ⅓ c. buffalo sauce I used Frank's
- ½ c. chicken broth
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ c. ranch dressing
- ½ c. shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ c. uncooked penne pasta
- green onion red pepper flakes and cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Heat skillet over medium heat
- Add cream cheese, buffalo sauce, chicken broth and whisk until creamy
- Add paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, stir to combine
- Add ranch dressing and chicken, stir and simmer over low heat 10 min
- In the mean time cook the penne in boiling water according to package directions
- Drain and add to the sauce
- Add the cheddar cheese and stir until cheese is melted
- Garnish with green onions, red pepper flakes and additional shredded cheese
Video
Notes
Tips for making Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta
While I won’t go into the specifics of the recipe (since you already have that), I think it’s essential to discuss the art of combining flavors in this delightful dish.
The magic starts with the buffalo sauce. It’s the heart of the dish, providing that distinctive spicy kick. Then comes the chicken, cooked until tender and juicy. And finally, the penne pasta, cooked al dente, serves as the perfect canvas for these bold flavors. The result? A Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta that’s ready to impress at any dinner table.
Cooking Tips: Mastering Your Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta
Creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta might seem like a challenge initially, but with these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly cooked chicken and high-quality buffalo sauce can make a world of difference.
- Pasta Cooking: Be mindful of how you cook your pasta. It should be al dente, firm to the bite, to hold up against the robust buffalo sauce.
- Balancing Flavors: The buffalo sauce is quite spicy, so balance it with some creamy elements like cheese or a touch of cream.
Serving Suggestions: Adding Your Personal Touch
When it comes to serving your Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta, feel free to get creative! Sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles for an added tangy kick, or garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. You can even serve it with some garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
FAQs: Answering Your Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your dish with your favorite pasta. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work great.
- Is it very spicy? The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust it according to your preference.
- Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. However, I recommend cooking the pasta just before serving to maintain its texture.
So there you have it, my friends! The Buffalo Chicken Penne Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a flavor fiesta. It’s a dish that brings excitement and comfort to your dinner table. So why wait? Grab your favorite pasta and let’s make dinner exciting again!