Buffalo Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that is sure to impress your taste buds? Look no further than Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This delightful meal combines the zesty flavor of Buffalo chicken wings with the creamy goodness of pasta, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. With this Buffalo chicken pasta recipe, you can bring the taste of Buffalo wings to your dinner table without the mess of hot sauce-covered fingers.
Why Choose Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
This Buffalo chicken pasta recipe offers a delicious combination of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Made on the stovetop, it ensures a quick cooking time of just 25 minutes. As a result, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal in no time.
Health Benefits: The recipe features chicken breasts, a lean protein source that is vital for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, incorporating pasta provides energy, and the addition of cheeses like Neufchatel and cheddar cheese offers a dose of calcium for bone health.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe Overview
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Please ensure you have the following ingredients ready to prepare this delightful pasta dish:
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dry ranch salad dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions: Making Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it for about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken breast, dry ranch salad dressing mix, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the Neufchatel cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thick.
- Pour in the Buffalo wing sauce gradually, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir well to ensure the sauce coats the chicken mixture thoroughly.
- Incorporate the cooked rigatoni pasta into the skillet, tossing it to ensure every piece is covered in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt into the pasta for about 2 minutes.
- Serve the Buffalo chicken pasta hot, and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors.
Optional Healthier Cooking Methods
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, here are some suggestions:
- Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta as an alternative to traditional rigatoni, adding fiber to your meal.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, yet equally creamy consistency.
- Consider using air-fried or grilled chicken instead of rotisserie to reduce excess oils and keep the dish lean.
- For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce and add more sour cream or yogurt to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
This Buffalo chicken pasta recipe is not just quick to make, but also packed with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. With a spot-on balance of creamy, spicy, and savory elements, it’s a dish that is certain to become a household favorite. So, make sure to try this delicious recipe and experience the delightful combination of Buffalo wing-inspired flavors in a comforting pasta form.
