Craving pasta with a smoky, spicy twist? This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender smoked chicken, creamy Buffalo ranch sauce, melty cheeses, and penne all in one boldly flavored, comforting dish. Every forkful packs a perfect balance of heat, tang, and that irresistible smokiness. Whether you’re serving it to impress dinner guests or just want a cozy meal for the family, this crowd-pleaser delivers on all counts—plus, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple pantry staples and a few star ingredients come together to create a boldly flavored, creamy masterpiece. Each component of this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe adds extra comfort, crave-worthiness, or a pop of color.
- Smoked chicken breast: Provides incredible flavor depth and keeps the dish juicy and savory.
- Penne pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly—use any sturdy tube-shaped pasta if you like.
- Butter: The fat that starts your roux and gives luscious mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce while helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Milk: The creamy foundation that makes your sauce ultra-smooth.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The bold, spicy backbone; choose your heat level!
- Ranch dressing: Balances the heat with cooling, herbaceous notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right in for a gooey, robust cheese pull.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Adds a signature Buffalo tang and rich finish.
- Garlic powder: For gentle garlicky background flavor without any prep fuss.
- Smoked paprika: Reinforces that deep smoky vibe and adds gorgeous color.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and complexity.
- Green onions: Delivers the ultimate fresh contrast and a pop of green on top.
How to Make Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—this keeps each bite pleasantly firm and helps it soak up all that delicious sauce later. Once done, drain and set aside. Don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water for thinning the sauce, just in case!
Step 2: Make a Simple Roux
In a roomy saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat until it’s foaming and aromatic. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about one minute. This step is the secret to a velvety sauce; it cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a dreamy base for the creamy elements that follow.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
With your roux bubbling gently, slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is silky-smooth and just beginning to thicken. Stir in the Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The kitchen will already start to smell incredible as the sauce takes on its signature spicy, tangy aroma!
Step 4: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to your sauce, stirring until it melts into complete creamy goodness. This is when the magic happens—the sauce becomes rich, smooth, and oh-so-indulgent. If it feels a touch thick, stir in a dash of reserved pasta water for that perfect consistency.
Step 5: Fold in Chicken and Pasta
Gently fold your smoked, shredded chicken breast into the cheesy Buffalo sauce, then add the cooked penne. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy, smoky, spicy delight. Take a taste and adjust Buffalo sauce or seasonings as you like for just the right level of heat.
Step 6: Add Final Touches & Serve
Transfer your finished Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe to a serving dish. Sprinkle it generously with crumbled blue cheese and vibrant, fresh green onions—this last flourish delivers an iconic Buffalo flavor and that restaurant-quality finish!
How to Serve Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For maximum Buffalo wing vibes, sprinkle your hot pasta with the reserved blue cheese and a liberal handful of sliced green onions. If you have it, a shower of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce over the top is never a bad idea—anything that boosts visual appeal and flavor is a win!
Side Dishes
Serve your Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe alongside crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, and perhaps a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. A simple green salad and warm, crusty bread will make it a complete meal without distracting from the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by offering this dish in individual ramekins for party appetizers, or pile it high in a cast iron skillet for rustic, family-style serving. It also makes amazing leftovers baked with an extra sprinkle of cheddar on top until bubbly and golden brown!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner. Sprinkle on a bit more fresh blue cheese or green onion just before serving to revive it.
Freezing
Surprisingly, this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes well! Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce nice and creamy. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of smoked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes a speedy substitute and still tastes fantastic. For an extra smoky hit, add a touch more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?
While penne is classic, rigatoni, rotini, or even shells hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Just avoid any super delicate shapes, as the robust flavors and textures pair best with heartier pasta.
How can I adjust the heat level?
Customize the spice by tweaking the amount of Buffalo sauce. For more heat, add an extra splash or stir through a pinch of cayenne. To tone it down, use milder Buffalo sauce and add a bit more ranch dressing.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend (or even cornstarch) when making the roux. Double-check that your Buffalo sauce and ranch are also gluten-free.
Can I make Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead for a party?
You bet! Prepare everything up to the step before garnishing. Cover and refrigerate. When company arrives, gently reheat, top with blue cheese and green onions, and serve piping hot for the ultimate party dish.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is for anyone who loves bold, cheesy pasta with a kick—trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll crave it again and again. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a plateful of smoky, creamy comfort that’s sure to become an instant favorite.
Print
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pasta – a creamy and spicy twist on a classic pasta dish. Tender smoked chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, and rich cheddar cheese come together to create a satisfying meal with a kick.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups cooked smoked chicken breast, shredded
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For the 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
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Fold in the shredded smoked chicken and cooked pasta until well coated.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with blue cheese and green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika generously or finish the dish in a smoker-safe pan for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
