If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, the Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new go-to comfort meal. Combining tender smoked chicken with a luscious Buffalo wing sauce and a velvety cheese blend, this pasta offers a mouthwatering journey from the first bite to the last. It’s the kind of dish that’s as satisfying for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is impressive for casual get-togethers with friends. Trust me, once you taste this, it might just become one of your all-time favorite recipes to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is straightforward yet essential, playing a pivotal role in building those rich, bold flavors and satisfying textures we love. From smoky chicken to creamy cheese and zesty spices, these simple staples come together to create pasta magic.
- Cooked smoked chicken breast, 2 cups shredded: Provides that wonderful smoky depth and tender bite that defines the dish.
- Penne pasta, 12 ounces: Its tube shape holds the sauce perfectly, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: Creates the rich base for the sauce when melted and combined with flour.
- All-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons: Thickens the sauce smoothly without lumps for creamy deliciousness.
- Milk, 2 cups: The canvas for the sauce, making it rich yet light enough to coat the pasta.
- Buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 cup: Packs the punch of spice and tang that gives the dish its signature kick.
- Ranch dressing, 1/2 cup: Balances the heat with cool, herbaceous notes adding a wonderful creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups: Brings melty, sharp flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
- Crumbled blue cheese, 1/2 cup: Adds a bold, tangy contrast sprinkled on top for eye-catching flair and taste.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors with warm, subtle depth.
- Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: Amplifies the smokiness and adds a hint of vibrant color.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances and enhances every note in the dish perfectly.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Provides a gentle heat and seasoning lift throughout.
- Green onions, 2 sliced: Adds a fresh crunch and splash of color as the final finishing touch.
How to Make Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set aside. Getting the pasta perfectly tender is key to ensuring it holds the luscious sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Sauce Base
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming gently. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux—this step eliminates any raw flour taste and begins building your creamy base. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Bombs
Next, stir in the Buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing, infusing the sauce with that iconic tang and spice combo. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices layer the sauce with warmth and smoky complexity that makes this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Add the shredded cheddar cheese into the hot sauce, stirring gently until it melts completely into velvety, gooey goodness. This cheese sauce is the heart of the dish, binding everything together with creamy richness.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Fold in the tender smoked shredded chicken along with the drained pasta, ensuring every piece is generously coated in that spicy, cheesy sauce. This step turns the separate elements into a harmonious, indulgent meal.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving dish and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and bright green onions for a tangy, fresh finish that will have everyone at the table excited to dig in.
How to Serve Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions is pure genius. The blue cheese provides a punchy, creamy contrast to the spicy sauce, while the green onions add a crisp, fresh note and vibrant color that make this dish truly inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve this pasta with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or crunchy celery sticks to echo the classic Buffalo wing pairing. A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try spooning the pasta into small casserole dishes and topping with extra cheese, then broiling briefly for a bubbly golden crust. Alternatively, load servings into taco shells or lettuce wraps for a playful spin on your Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain its creamy texture and bold flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk can help refresh the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of smoked chicken?
Absolutely! While smoked chicken adds incredible depth, cooked fresh chicken will work fine. You could add smoked paprika or a quick smoke step to mimic the flavor if you like.
How spicy is the Buffalo sauce in this dish?
The spice level depends on the Buffalo wing sauce you choose. There’s room to adjust the amount to your heat preference—from mild tang to fiery boldness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour and regular pasta. You can substitute gluten-free flour and pasta varieties to make it gluten-friendly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for smoked tofu or roasted vegetables, and opt out of the blue cheese if you prefer. The sauce and spice combo still shine wonderfully.
What cheese works best if I can’t find blue cheese?
Feta is a great substitute for blue cheese’s tangy punch. Alternatively, you could skip it and add extra sharp cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors wrapped up in comforting pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big on taste and satisfaction. Don’t wait to add it to your recipe rotation—once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
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Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining smoky shredded chicken with spicy Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese. Paired with tender penne pasta and topped with crumbled blue cheese and fresh green onions, it’s a rich and comforting American main course perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked smoked chicken breast, shredded
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and has thickened slightly, creating a creamy base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in the Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, combining all flavors evenly into the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Gently fold the shredded smoked chicken and cooked penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated with the flavorful Buffalo cheese sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy smoked Buffalo chicken pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle the top with crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the rich and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- For an enhanced smoky flavor, use smoked paprika liberally or finish the pasta in a smoker-safe pan for a few minutes before serving.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.
- This dish contains gluten and dairy; substitute gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheeses if needed.
