Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta shapes (such as penne); 1 tbsp sunflower oil; 3 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 525g or 18.5oz); 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 onion, peeled and sliced; 1 red pepper, sliced; 1 yellow pepper, sliced; 2 jalapenos (or medium heat green chillies), sliced; Small bunch spring onions, roughly chopped; 60 ml hot pepper sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp cider vinegar; 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) double (heavy) cream; 50 g (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese, grated; 1 jalapeno (or medium heat green chilli), sliced

If you’re craving something with a punch of flavor that’s quick and easy to whip up, you’re going to love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s that perfect dinner where creamy, spicy, and cheesy all come together in one pan, making mealtime both satisfying and downright delicious. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying. Let me walk you through why this has become a go-to in my kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something speedy without sacrificing flavor.
Bold, Tangy Flavor: The buffalo sauce and Cajun spice give this pasta a fiery kick balanced by creamy parmesan.
One-Pan Wonder: You cook the chicken and sauce all in one pan, making for easy cleanup.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish every time, and it’s a crowd-pleaser you can bet on.

A close top view of a silver pan filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is yellow pasta tubes, the middle layer is thick sliced red and yellow bell pepper strips and white onion strips, and the top layer is small browned chicken pieces sprinkled with round chopped green onions. A woman's hand stirs the food with a wooden spoon from the left side of the pan while another woman's hand holds the handle of the pan on the right. To the upper left is a white bowl with dark green chopped spring onions. The pan and bowl sit on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partly under the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Buffalo Chicken Pasta, spicy pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinners, creamy buffalo chicken pasta, easy pasta with buffalo sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all play a role in creating that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. When you shop for them, pick good-quality chicken breasts and fresh peppers to really make the most of this dish.

Flat lay of penne pasta arranged neatly next to three whole uncracked chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of sunflower oil, a white bowl with a mound of Cajun spice mix, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, one crumbled chicken stock cube beside them, two peeled garlic cloves, one peeled and sliced onion, one red pepper sliced into strips, one yellow pepper sliced into strips, two sliced green jalapeno peppers, a small bunch of roughly chopped spring onions, a small white bowl filled with bright orange hot pepper sauce, a small white bowl with Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl containing cider vinegar, a small white bowl holding double cream, a white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, and one additional sliced jalapeno arranged in perfect symmetry, all fresh and natural, placed 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 - Buffalo Chicken Pasta, spicy pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinners, creamy buffalo chicken pasta, easy pasta with buffalo sauce

Pasta shapes: I like penne for this recipe because it holds on to the creamy sauce beautifully.
Sunflower oil: Great neutral oil that won’t overpower the spices.
Chicken breasts: Chopping into bite-sized pieces helps everything cook evenly and quickly.
Cajun spice mix: Adds warm, smoky heat—feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that subtle bite.
Chicken stock cube: Crumbled, it amps up the savory flavor of the dish.
Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the sauce without overpowering it.
Onion: Sliced thin so it softens and sweetens during cooking.
Red and yellow peppers: These bring color and natural sweetness that balances the heat.
Jalapenos (or green chillies): Fresh sliced for that authentic spicy kick.
Spring onions: They add a fresh, mild onion flavor and crunch at the end.
Hot pepper sauce: This is where your buffalo sauce steals the show.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a nice depth of umami and tanginess.
Cider vinegar: A splash brightens the whole dish and balances richness.
Double (heavy) cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce and brings that savory punch.

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.

Variations

I love making this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. You can easily customize it to be extra spicy, milder, or even vegetarian if you swap out the chicken for a plant-based alternative.

Spice Level: When I want a fiery dish, I add extra jalapenos or a dash more hot sauce; for kids, I dial it back and use just a little buffalo sauce so it’s still flavorful but gentler.
Protein Swap: Sometimes I use shredded rotisserie chicken to save prep time, and it works like a charm.
Cheese Variations: Adding a bit of crumbled blue cheese instead of parmesan can give an authentic buffalo chicken flavor twist!
Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or spinach to make it even heartier.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. The key here is to cook it just until al dente—firm but not mushy. Once it’s done, drain it but hold back about a cup of the pasta water. That starchy water will come in handy later to loosen your sauce if it feels too thick. This little trick changed the way I serve creamy pasta dishes, so I’m pretty passionate about it!

Step 2: Brown and Season the Chicken

Heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle your Cajun spice mix and black pepper directly on the chicken. Stir everything together to coat the chicken well. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning as you go, until the chicken is sealed and just about cooked through. This step is all about locking in juicy flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Layer in the Veggies and Flavor

Sprinkle over the crumbled chicken stock cube and stir to combine. Then toss in the garlic, onion, red and yellow peppers, and sliced jalapenos. Keep stirring often and cook for around 5 minutes until those veggies soften and the garlic releases its aroma. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing—I absolutely love this part.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Next, add the spring onions, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken cooks fully and the sauce thickens. The cream and parmesan create this incredible silky texture, while the hot sauce and vinegar give that classic buffalo tang.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish

By now your pasta should be ready. Add it straight into the pan with the chicken and sauce, then gently toss everything together. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add splashes of that reserved pasta water until you get the perfect silky consistency. Serve immediately, topping each bowl with extra sliced jalapeno for a fresh, spicy bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that pasta water—it’s a miracle worker for adjusting sauce thickness without watering down the flavor.
Control the Heat: Start with less hot sauce and jalapenos if you’re not sure about the spiciness, you can always add more after tasting!
Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a minute off the heat to absorb more flavor.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Overcooked pasta will get mushy when added to the sauce, so keep it firm and toss quickly.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white plate filled with penne pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible black pepper specks. Among the pasta are chunks of cooked meat with a light brown color and a slightly textured surface. Thin red and yellow bell pepper strips are layered throughout, adding bright color contrasts. Sliced green chili rounds and chopped green onions are scattered on top, giving fresh green highlights. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Buffalo Chicken Pasta, spicy pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinners, creamy buffalo chicken pasta, easy pasta with buffalo sauce

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with extra fresh sliced jalapenos for that vibrant pop of heat and color. A sprinkle of chopped spring onions adds freshness and crunch. Sometimes, I throw on a few shreds of mozzarella for an extra cheesy hover that melts in your mouth.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are simple and cooling—like a crisp green salad with ranch dressing or some crunchy celery sticks to complement the spicy buffalo flavor. For a heartier meal, garlic bread pairs perfectly and helps sop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in individual mini cast iron skillets—it looks rustic and inviting. Adding a dollop of blue cheese dressing or a swirl of ranch on top can elevate the presentation and add a fun twist for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from drying out, I pour a little olive oil on top before sealing—it helps retain moisture and flavor when reheated.

Freezing

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes fairly well if you want to batch cook. Just measure out portions into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture is best if you don’t freeze the pasta for more than a month.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover it and stir halfway through for even warming. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook and lose that lovely creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Penne works great because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can swap in rotini, fusilli, or even rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust cooking time according to the shape you choose.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Definitely. You can reduce or omit the jalapenos and hot pepper sauce. Also, adding a bit more cream or cheese will mellow the heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time for this pasta?

Yes, prepping the chicken in advance can save time. Cook and season the chicken, then refrigerate. When ready to make the dish, simply add the chicken to the pan and continue as directed with the veggies and sauce.
What can I substitute for double cream if I don’t have any?

You can use heavy cream or a mix of cream cheese and milk for a similar richness. If you want a lower-fat option, plain Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat can work, but it will slightly change the texture.
How do I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. It’s become my go-to for nights when I want comfort food that’s bold and satisfying but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen for hours. I’m confident you’ll find this recipe as tasty and simple to make as I do — just like sharing a tasty secret with a friend. Give it a try, and I’d bet it will become a favorite in your household too!