Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and flavorful with minimal effort. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a tangy buffalo sauce creates a rich, spicy base that mixes perfectly with creamy cheese and pasta.

What is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish where chicken is slow-cooked in a creamy buffalo sauce, combined with pasta, and cooked until perfectly tender and rich. The magic happens in the Crockpot, where the ingredients meld together to create a dish that’s both spicy and creamy. It’s the best of both worlds, offering a comforting meal with just the right amount of heat. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe has got you covered.

Ingredients for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken breasts will give you a leaner dish, while thighs offer a juicier, more tender result.
• Buffalo Sauce: You can use any store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own. It adds the perfect balance of heat and tang.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese brings the richness and creaminess to the dish that makes it so indulgent.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These dressings add even more flavor and creaminess to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder will add a subtle depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: This will help to thin out the sauce and add extra flavor as the chicken cooks.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works well, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Choose a sturdy shape that can hold the sauce well.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella will give the dish that gooey, melty goodness.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions make for a fresh, flavorful garnish.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier after being slow-cooked. If you prefer a richer dish, opt for thighs.
• Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is key to creating that luscious, creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use cream cheese spread or a bit of sour cream as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
• Adjust the Heat: Buffalo sauce can be quite spicy, so if you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the amount of sauce or use a mild variety. Conversely, you can add more hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking when combined with the buffalo chicken mixture in the Crockpot, it’s best to cook it just until al dente. This way, the pasta won’t become mushy.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers, don’t hesitate to double the recipe. It’s a great make-ahead dish for parties or meal prep.

Variations of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen.

• Buffalo Chicken Alfredo: For a creamy twist, try using Alfredo sauce in place of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This will give your dish a rich, comforting flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for cauliflower or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still delivers that buffalo flavor.
• Spicy Cajun Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning or paprika to your buffalo sauce for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
• Add Vegetables: You can toss in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a little extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Main Course: Serve it as is, straight from the Crockpot. The creamy, spicy combination will be filling enough for a complete meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or a coleslaw to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• With Garlic Bread: For a true comfort meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra buffalo sauce.

How to Store Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Leftovers of this dish store beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

• In the Fridge: Once cooled, store your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: This dish can also be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this dish a day or two in advance. After cooking, store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in your Crockpot. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours if starting with frozen chicken.

What can I serve with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta? This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or even some sautéed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.

How spicy is Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta? The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder dish, choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines all the flavors of buffalo wings with the comfort of creamy pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its balance of spice and creaminess, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Try these other crock pot chicken recipes:

• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Crockpot Chicken With Cream Of Mushroom Soup