EASY BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE

Bold and Irresistible: A Culinary Adventure with Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with our Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe, where the zing of buffalo sauce meets the comfort of perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors, tender chicken, and a creamy buffalo-infused sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Join us as we guide you through the art of crafting this delectable masterpiece, offering insights, variations, and even keto and low-carb adaptations for those seeking a lighter option.

Ingredients:

For the Buffalo Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 8 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Buffalo Cream Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Green onions, chopped
  • Blue cheese crumbles
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Preparing Buffalo Chicken:

  1. Season Chicken:
    • In a bowl, season diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Sauté Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté seasoned chicken until fully cooked and golden brown.
  3. Add Buffalo Sauce:
    • Pour buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside.

Cooking Pasta:

  1. Boil Water:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Pasta:
    • Cook the penne or your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Creating Buffalo Cream Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter. Add buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  2. Simmer:
    • Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, ensuring it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Combining Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce:

  1. Mix Together:
    • Add the cooked chicken to the buffalo cream sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  2. Combine with Pasta:
    • Gently fold the cooked pasta into the buffalo chicken mixture until every pasta piece is coated in the luscious sauce.

Garnishing and Serving:

  1. Garnish:
    • Garnish the Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta with chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, and fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Serve Hot:
    • Plate the dish and serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the bold and comforting flavors.

Cook Notes:

  • Chicken Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but remains tender. Overcooking can result in dry chicken.
  • Buffalo Sauce Intensity: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference. Add more for an extra kick.
  • Creamy Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheeses or a blend for the buffalo cream sauce to add depth to the flavor.

Variations:

Vegetarian Buffalo Pasta:

  • Swap chicken for a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Spicy Sausage Twist:

  • Incorporate spicy sausage slices for an additional layer of heat and a savory kick.

Grilled Shrimp Buffalo Pasta:

  • Elevate the dish by replacing chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood-infused delight.

Keto Version:

  • Use cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to keep the dish keto-friendly.
  • Opt for a keto-approved buffalo sauce with no added sugars.
  • Choose a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum for the buffalo cream sauce.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Select a low-carb pasta alternative or spiralized vegetables for a lighter option.
  • Confirm the carb content of your chosen buffalo sauce and adjust the quantity accordingly.
  • Explore low-carb dairy options for the creamy buffalo sauce.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that combines the fiery kick of buffalo sauce with the comfort of creamy pasta. Whether you follow the classic recipe or venture into variations, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the bold flavors, and treat your taste buds to a symphony of sensations with this irresistible pasta creation.