This Creamy Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a deliciously spicy and cheesy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy Buffalo sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with savory Parmesan and mozzarella, it’s comfort food with a flavorful kick—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich & Creamy: The combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
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Bold Buffalo Flavor: Classic wing sauce adds a spicy zing balanced by creamy dairy ingredients.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
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Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for all ages.
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High Protein: Loaded with chicken breast for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients Breakdown:
Chicken & Seasonings:
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized pieces)
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2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
Pasta:
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12 oz penne or rotini pasta (your choice of short pasta)
Sauce Base:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (adds heat and flavor)
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for richness)
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1/2 cup chicken broth (to balance and thin sauce slightly)
Cheese & Creaminess:
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp cream cheese (extra creamy texture)
Garnish:
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1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (freshness and color)
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Optional: red pepper flakes (for added heat)
Tips and Tricks
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
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Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente holds up better in creamy dishes.
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For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce.
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If sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
Variations and Customizations
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Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey breast.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
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Heat Level: Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
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Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
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Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light lager beer.
Storage Instructions
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce.
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This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well for quick meals.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breast?
A: Yes, thaw fully before cooking to ensure even cooking.
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Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well is ideal.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The Buffalo wing sauce provides moderate heat. Adjust to taste by adding more or less sauce or red pepper flakes
Creamy Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Spicy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy! Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a bold Buffalo garlic sauce smothered in Parmesan and mozzarella. Comfort food with a kick—ready in no time for weeknight dinners or game day feasts
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp cream cheese
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12 oz penne or rotini pasta
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1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
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Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Boil salted water in a large pot.
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
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Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in Buffalo wing sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
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Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
4. Add Cheeses
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Lower heat and mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese.
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Stir until fully melted and sauce is creamy and smooth.
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Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine Everything
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Return cooked chicken to skillet.
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Add cooked pasta and toss gently until coated with sauce.
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Remove from heat.
6. Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.
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Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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Use high-quality Buffalo wing sauce for authentic flavor.
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This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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