If you love bold flavors and easy comfort food, this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite! Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in creamy buffalo sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate balance of heat and creaminess, making it a fantastic meal for any night of the week. Plus, thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a true “set it and forget it” recipe that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply want a hearty, satisfying dinner, this dish delivers. Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or just enjoy it as is either way, it’s bound to be a hit! Try it once, and it might just become your new go to comfort meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for topping)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Lightly grease the crock pot and place the chicken breasts at the bottom.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Pour the buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Stir slightly. Add the cream cheese on top.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the mixture is creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot, ensuring it’s coated in the buffalo chicken sauce.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover for a few minutes until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Spicy Kick
If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and incredibly easy to make, then Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a must try. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, rich cream cheese, and melted cheddar to create a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with bold flavors. The best part? It’s all made in the slow cooker, making it an effortless meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort food without the hassle. Whether you’re a buffalo chicken fanatic or simply love a good, creamy pasta dish, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
There are countless reasons why this spicy, cheesy pasta dish is a winner. Here are just a few:
1. Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s made in a crock pot, which means minimal effort and maximum flavor. Just toss the ingredients in, let the slow cooker do its magic, and come back to a delicious meal.
2. Perfectly Creamy and Cheesy
Buffalo chicken is already a fan favorite, but when combined with cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream, the result is an ultra-creamy, rich, and indulgent sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
3. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a quick and easy lunch or dinner ready to go for the next few days.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
Want it extra spicy? Add more buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a milder version? Reduce the buffalo sauce and add extra ranch dressing. You can also mix in veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition.
5. Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game-day party, or preparing a meal for a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. The combination of bold flavors and creamy texture makes it irresistible.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with some simple sides. Here are a few ideas:
1. Garlic Bread
A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect way to scoop up all that creamy buffalo chicken sauce.
2. Side Salad
Balance out the richness of the pasta with a light and refreshing salad. A simple Caesar salad or garden salad with a vinaigrette works beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Add some color and nutrients to your meal by serving roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts on the side.
4. Blue Cheese Crumbles
For an extra Buffalo-style touch, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top before serving. The sharp, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Even though this is a simple slow cooker recipe, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use a Good Quality Buffalo Sauce
The buffalo sauce is the star of this dish, so choose a high quality brand like Frank’s RedHot or make your own from scratch.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Since pasta is added at the end, make sure to cook it just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
3. Adjust the Heat Level
If you like it extra spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce and increase the amount of ranch dressing.
4. Use Different Cheeses
While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, or even Blue Cheese Crumbles for a unique flavor twist.
5. Store and Reheat Properly
This dish is great for leftovers, but make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
How to Make This Recipe Lighter
Want to enjoy Buffalo Chicken Pasta without the guilt? Here are a few easy swaps to make it lighter but still delicious:
- Use Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream – This keeps the sauce creamy while adding extra protein.
- Choose Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta – A healthier alternative with more fiber and protein.
- Use Low-Fat Cheese and Cream Cheese – You’ll still get a creamy texture with fewer calories.
- Add More Veggies – Mix in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to add nutrients and bulk up the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker ahead of time and refrigerate it. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just cook fresh pasta and mix it in.
2. What’s the Best Type of Pasta to Use?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best because it holds the sauce well. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair that can get mushy.
3. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, use shredded rotisserie chicken and mix it into the sauce before adding the pasta.
4. Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
5. How Do I Make This in an Instant Pot?
To make this dish in an Instant Pot, cook the chicken, broth, buffalo sauce, and seasonings on high pressure for 15 minutes. Then, shred the chicken, stir in the cheeses, and mix in cooked pasta.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s an effortless meal that’s ideal for busy nights, meal prepping, or casual gatherings. Thanks to the slow cooker, you get tender, juicy chicken infused with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and ranch, all wrapped up in a rich, cheesy pasta dish.
Whether you serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or just enjoy it straight from the bowl, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make it as spicy, mild, or veggie-packed as you like.
Try this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta today, and get ready to fall in love with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy comfort food classic!