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
Scale
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.
