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
Scale
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
