If you’re craving bold, cheesy comfort food with a spicy kick, this Creamy Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken bites are tossed with tender pasta in a velvety sauce made from Buffalo sauce, Parmesan, cream, and garlic. Every bite is rich, savory, and just the right balance of spicy and creamy.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or even game day gatherings when you want a hearty dish that will impress. It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to be a new favorite in your cheesy pasta rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy & cheesy goodness: A luscious Buffalo-Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta.
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Spicy comfort food: Just the right amount of heat balanced with cream and cheese.
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One-pan style: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
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Customizable: Adjust the spice level, cheese type, or even swap the protein.
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Family-approved: Kids can enjoy a mild version while spice-lovers add extra Buffalo sauce.
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Weeknight-friendly: Ready in under 40 minutes for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine): The perfect base for soaking up the creamy Buffalo sauce. Penne holds the sauce in its ridges, while rotini spirals catch every bit of cheese.
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Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and easy to cook quickly. Diced for even browning and faster cooking.
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Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
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Smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes: Layered seasoning that adds depth, smokiness, and optional heat.
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Buffalo sauce: The star of the dish! Brings tangy, spicy flavor and a touch of vinegar brightness.
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Heavy cream & chicken broth: Creates a velvety sauce base while balancing spice with richness.
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Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
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Mozzarella cheese: Provides that melty, stretchy, cheesy texture.
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Cream cheese: Extra creaminess and a slight tang that helps thicken the sauce.
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Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and enhances the savory flavor.
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Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend that rounds out the sauce.
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Green onions: Bright, fresh garnish for a pop of flavor and color.
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Blue cheese (optional): A classic Buffalo pairing for those who love extra bold flavor.
Pro Tips
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Cook pasta al dente: Drain it while still slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Dice into even pieces and cook just until golden to keep it juicy.
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Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly; grating fresh Parmesan makes the sauce silky.
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Adjust the heat: For a mild version, use less Buffalo sauce or balance with more cream. Spice-lovers can add extra red pepper flakes.
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Finish with garnish: A sprinkle of green onions or blue cheese crumbles takes it from delicious to restaurant-worthy.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Swap the chicken: Use shrimp, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
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Go gluten-free: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles.
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Different cheeses: Try white cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
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Add veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.
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Make it baked: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for a bubbly baked pasta version.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is hearty enough to be served on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few pairings:
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
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A crisp side salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement the Buffalo flavor.
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Roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate.
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For game day, serve alongside celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch dip for a playful nod to classic Buffalo wings.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep ahead: You can cook the pasta and chicken up to a day ahead. Store separately and combine with the sauce just before serving.
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Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, so add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
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Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, or use the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
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Freeze it: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Buffalo-inspired recipes originated in Buffalo, New York, where the famous Buffalo wings were first served in the 1960s. Since then, the tangy-spicy Buffalo sauce has expanded into dips, pizzas, and now creamy pasta recipes like this one. Pairing Buffalo heat with Parmesan and cream transforms the classic bar food flavor into an elevated comfort food dish that’s both modern and nostalgic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this pasta less spicy?
A: Yes! Simply reduce the Buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and add extra cream or cheese to balance the flavor.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Penne and rotini are great for catching the sauce, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you have on hand.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly—just stir it into the sauce in place of raw chicken.
Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
A: Omit the chicken and use roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower as the main filling.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to use a large skillet or Dutch oven to hold everything.
Creamy Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add Buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated in sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and optional crumbled blue cheese before serving.
