If you’re craving something wildly flavorful, bold, and creamy, you’re going to fall in love with this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings together tender smoked chicken, a dreamy buffalo cream sauce, and a double dose of cheese, all tied together with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a cozy, weeknight dinner that wows, this pasta is guaranteed to steal the show and satisfy all your spicy cravings.

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great recipes start with great ingredients, and this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is no exception. Every item here plays a key role in building those irresistible layers of flavor, creaminess, and just the right kick of heat—so don’t skip anything if you want that perfect bite!

Smoked chicken breast: The star of the show! Its smoky, savory depth makes this pasta unforgettable.
Penne or rigatoni pasta: Tube-shaped pasta like these holds onto the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every forkful.
Olive oil: A touch of olive oil gets the garlic and onion sizzling and fragrant.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punchy, aromatic base to the sauce.
Onion: Diced onion sweetens and rounds out the sauce.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy and rich.
Buffalo sauce: The essential spicy tang—add more or less depending on your heat tolerance!
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the sauce for extra smoothness.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar brings sharpness and gooeyness to every bite.
Mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, melty cheese pull everyone loves.
Salt and pepper: A sprinkle of each is all you need to bring out the best in every component.
Chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese (optional): These garnishes add a pop of color and a touch of tangy, fresh flavor right at the end.

How to Make Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your penne or rigatoni. Cook it just until al dente—tender but with a little bite—according to the package directions. Once it’s perfect, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is key for the perfect pasta texture that holds up to the rich sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until everything is soft and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. These aromatics are the flavor base for your sauce, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Whisk everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and your sauce is silky smooth. Let it bubble gently for a minute or two so it thickens up slightly, promising a luscious coating for your pasta.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low, then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until both are completely melted and the sauce is rich, gooey, and irresistible. This is where all those comforting, cheesy vibes come together.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Pasta

Now, toss in your smoked chicken along with the cooked pasta. Gently fold everything together so every piece is fully coated in that dreamy buffalo cheese sauce. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, then give it a final taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the pasta into bowls while it’s piping hot, then top with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if you’re feeling fancy. The garnishes add a fresh, tangy finish that plays perfectly against the creamy heat of the sauce.

How to Serve Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the toppings! A sprinkle of green onions brings a fresh crunch, while crumbled blue cheese adds that classic buffalo chicken tang. If you love it extra saucy, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top is a total game changer.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and hearty, so keep sides simple. Crisp celery sticks, a fresh garden salad, or even a slice of crusty garlic bread are perfect for balancing the heat and richness of the Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic look, or pile it high in a big serving bowl for family-style feasting. For parties, you can scoop the pasta into mini cups, top with blue cheese and green onion, and serve as a spicy, cheesy appetizer that will disappear in seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. The Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Just note that the creamy sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a good stir as you reheat will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of smoked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and tasty substitute if you don’t have smoked chicken on hand. For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

How spicy is this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The heat level depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. Start with half a cup for moderate heat, and adjust up or down to suit your spice preference. You can always add more at the end if you like it fiery!

Is there a good substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, try using mascarpone for a similarly creamy texture, or even a few tablespoons of sour cream, though the sauce will be a bit tangier.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to smoke chicken at home?

If you have a smoker, use applewood or hickory chips and smoke boneless chicken breasts until cooked through and flavorful. No smoker? Oven-roast with smoked paprika, or add a touch of liquid smoke to cooked chicken for an easy shortcut.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a true comfort food classic with a bold, smoky twist and just the right amount of kick. Grab your ingredients and give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish combining smoky shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and tender rigatoni pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a delightful kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Cheese

2 cups cooked smoked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Pasta

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped green onions
Crumbled blue cheese

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Prepare Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese into the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring gently until both cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
Combine Ingredients: Add the smoked chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated and heated through.
Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness of the dish according to your preference.
For an extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or a few dashes of liquid smoke if smoked chicken is unavailable.
Consider drizzling ranch or blue cheese dressing on top before serving for added creaminess and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American