November 16, 2024

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Healthy Fact of the Day

While indulgent, this pasta dish provides protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. To make it healthier, use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients. Consider using light cream cheese and reducing heavy cream by substituting with milk or chicken broth. The carrots and celery add vitamins and fiber. For a lighter version, increase the vegetables and decrease the cheese content. You could also use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing and reduced-fat cheese. While satisfying, this is a calorie-dense dish best enjoyed in moderation. Consider serving with a large side salad to increase vegetable intake.

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
2 lbs chicken breasts, diced
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For garnish:

Extra blue cheese crumbles
Chopped celery leaves
Drizzle of buffalo sauce
Sliced green onions

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and cook chicken until golden.
Remove and set aside.
In same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in cream cheese until melted.
Add heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.
Simmer sauce until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to skillet.
Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat with sauce.
Stir in blue cheese and mozzarella until melted.
Add pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
Top with garnishes and serve hot.

Twirl your fork into this Buffalo Chicken Pasta and watch as the creamy, spicy sauce clings to every piece of pasta and tender chicken! Each bite delivers the perfect balance of heat and cool creaminess, with blue cheese adding that classic buffalo wing finish. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a kick or feeding a crowd of hungry sports fans, this pasta transforms two favorites into one incredible dish. So fire up that stove, grab your biggest skillet, and get ready to create a pasta that’ll make your taste buds do the chicken wing dance!

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