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Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti ignites your dinner table with fiery buffalo flavors dancing through tender pasta strands, creating a symphony of heat and comfort that will leave everyone craving more! This sensational fusion dish transforms traditional pasta night into an adventure, combining succulent shredded chicken bathed in tangy buffalo sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of creamy richness and bold spice, making it an instant favorite for those who love buffalo wing flavors without the mess. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers or hosting a casual dinner party, this spaghetti squash and chicken recipe alternative brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
- Delivers explosive buffalo flavors in every single bite without overwhelming heat
- Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for those chaotic weeknight schedules
- Uses simple pantry ingredients that most families already have on hand
- Incredibly versatile – customize the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences
- Combines the beloved comfort of pasta with the excitement of buffalo chicken dinner
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- Spaghetti Pasta – provides hearty base for the bold buffalo flavors
- Cooked Chicken Breast – lean protein that absorbs buffalo sauce beautifully
- Buffalo Sauce – creates that signature tangy heat we all crave
- Cream Cheese – adds luxurious creaminess to balance the spice
- Greek Yogurt – lightens the sauce while boosting protein content
- Chicken Broth – enhances flavor depth and creates perfect sauce consistency
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – melts into gooey perfection for ultimate comfort
- Garlic Powder – intensifies the savory flavor profile
- Onion Powder – adds subtle sweetness to complement the heat
- Fresh Green Onions – provides bright color and fresh crunch as garnish
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, whisk buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Add Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and heat through.
- Add cooked spaghetti and toss with tongs to coat evenly.
- Stir in half the cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Top with remaining cheese and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
How to Make the Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
Creating this Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti masterpiece involves layering bold flavors while maintaining perfect texture in every strand.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Base
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, whisk together buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth until completely smooth.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and onion powder, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 4: Add the Protein
Fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy buffalo mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, using tongs to toss everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted and incorporated throughout.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove from heat, top with remaining cheese and sliced green onions, then serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making the Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
- Use rotisserie chicken for incredible flavor and maximum convenience
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your family’s heat tolerance preferences
- Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier blending
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and optimal temperature
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
Transform this already incredible dish into a complete feast with these inspired serving suggestions:
- Serve alongside crispy garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce
- Top with crumbled blue cheese for authentic buffalo wing experience
- Add a fresh garden salad with ranch dressing for cooling contrast
- Garnish with chopped celery for that classic buffalo chicken crunch
- Offer hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat
- Pair with roasted vegetables like buffalo chicken sweet potato wedges
- Serve with cool cucumber slices to balance the spicy flavors
- Add avocado slices for creamy richness and healthy fats
- Include stuffed spaghetti squash boats as a low-carb alternative
- Complement with corn on the cob for a complete comfort meal
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Transfer cooled pasta to airtight containers within two hours of cooking
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping sauce and pasta together
• Store extra cheese separately to maintain optimal texture
• Label containers with date and reheating instructions for family members
Freezing
• Portion into freezer-safe containers leaving space for expansion
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture quality
• Add extra sauce when freezing as pasta absorbs liquid over time
• Thaw completely in refrigerator overnight before reheating
Reheating
• Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently
• Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle
• Top with fresh cheese and green onions after reheating for best presentation
FAQs
What are the health benefits of chicken and pasta?
Chicken provides high-quality complete protein, B vitamins, and selenium essential for muscle maintenance and immune function. When paired with whole grain pasta, you get sustained energy from complex carbohydrates and additional fiber for digestive health.
Can I substitute the pasta in Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Try using spaghetti squash for a low-carb version, or experiment with penne, rotini, or even zucchini noodles. Each variation brings its own unique texture while maintaining those amazing buffalo flavors.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Enhance taste with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, add lemon juice for brightness, or incorporate spices such as paprika or dried oregano. These additions boost flavor complexity without adding calories.
Can I meal prep Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti?
This dish is excellent for meal prepping! Cook a large batch and portion into containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight as they meld together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti blends the fiery kick of buffalo wings with pasta’s hearty comfort, proving healthy buffalo chicken recipes can be both flavorful and nourishing. Packed with protein and customizable—swap proteins, tweak spice, or try different pasta shapes—this adaptable dish delights picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike, turning every forkful into a restaurant-quality experience.
