Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner. The crock pot does all the work, blending tender shredded chicken with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce and the rich creaminess of cheese and cream. The pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors as it cooks, resulting in a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re a fan of buffalo wings or just love a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

I first made this dish on a hectic evening, and it quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals. The kitchen smelled amazing as it cooked, and by the time dinner was ready, the pasta was perfectly coated with a rich, spicy sauce. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and how easily it can be customized. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce, and for extra creaminess, a bit of extra cheese never hurts.

What’s great about this dish is that it’s all made in the crock pot, so you can throw everything in and let it cook while you focus on other things. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for busy days, but also works great for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. No matter when you make it, it’s sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game day or sports gatherings
• Meal prep
• Comfort food lovers
• Busy weeknights

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here’s why Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta will quickly become your go-to meal:

• Easy to Make: Simply add all the ingredients to the crock pot, and let it do the work for you. It’s a fuss-free, hands-off dinner.
• Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning gives this dish a zesty, tangy, and spicy kick that’s irresistible.
• Creamy and Comforting: The creamy cheese and sour cream create a rich, velvety sauce that balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, add extra cheese, or even throw in some veggies to make it your own.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or lunch the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-5 hours on low
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Buffalo Sauce: This provides the signature spicy and tangy flavor that makes this dish stand out. It’s the key ingredient that gives the pasta its buffalo wing-inspired taste.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up perfectly in the crock pot, becoming tender and shreddable with little effort.
• Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients give the dish its rich, creamy texture and help balance out the spice from the buffalo sauce.
• Pasta: The pasta soaks up the delicious sauce as it cooks, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Sour Cream: This adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta:

Prepare the Crock Pot:

1. Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the buffalo sauce, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients around the chicken.
3. Add the Cream Cheese: Place the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken, without mixing it in yet. This will melt into the sauce as it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.

Prepare the Pasta and Sauce:

5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine it with the sauce.
6. Add the Sour Cream and Cheese: Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir to coat the pasta in the buffalo chicken mixture.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Scoop the buffalo chicken pasta onto plates or into bowls. Top with chopped green onions or parsley for added color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• As a Main Dish: This hearty pasta is a complete meal on its own, with the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta all in one dish.
• With a Side Salad: Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• For Game Day or Parties: Serve the pasta in a large serving dish for easy sharing at your next gathering.
• With Breadsticks: Serve with warm breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.
• With Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables or a veggie medley for a more balanced meal.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add extra sour cream to tone down the heat.
• Use Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts if you’re in a rush. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
• Stir Occasionally: If you have time, stir the ingredients occasionally while cooking to help evenly distribute the sauce and ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare everything ahead of time by layering the ingredients in the crock pot the night before and refrigerating it. Then, cook it the next day.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, add chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the crock pot for added flavor and nutrition.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. Just be sure your crock pot can accommodate the extra ingredients.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta:

• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add extra cheese to the sauce and top the pasta with crispy breadcrumbs for a cheesy, crunchy twist.
• Spicy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Use spicy ranch seasoning mix instead of regular ranch for an extra layer of heat.
• Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Stir in crumbled blue cheese for a tangy, bold flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
• Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Pasta: Use plant-based chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Mix in some BBQ sauce along with the buffalo sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.
• Crock Pot Spaghetti Buffalo Chicken: Swap out the pasta for spaghetti for a fun twist on the dish.
• Creamy Parmesan Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Add parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy, creamy variation.
• Bacon Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for an extra smoky, salty flavor.
• Zucchini Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, veggie-filled version.
• Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Layer the buffalo chicken mixture with lasagna noodles and cheese for a lasagna twist.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store any leftover buffalo chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream or broth if needed to keep it creamy.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta easier:

• Crock Pot: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and become tender and shreddable.
• Tongs or Forks: To easily shred the chicken once it’s cooked.
• Mixing Spoon: For stirring the pasta and sauce together.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To cube the cream cheese and chop any optional garnishes.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that chicken thighs will have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
2. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the crock pot?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a large oven-safe dish at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, then combine it with the cooked pasta and cheese.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni will work well. Choose your favorite!
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   To increase the spice level, add more buffalo sauce, or incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
5. Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the crock pot. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them in with the other ingredients.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish that brings together the bold flavors of buffalo wings and the comfort of pasta. Let your slow cooker do the work, while the tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese create a rich, satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a cozy family dinner, or preparing meals for the week, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to adjust the heat level to your liking, whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery burst!

I’d love to see how your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta turns out! Snap a pic, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creation. Happy cooking!