Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that marries the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. Using a slow cooker allows you to create a rich, comforting meal effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheeses makes each bite a delight.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
What makes this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta so irresistible? First, it is immensely flavorful. The buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with ranch dressing and cream cheese, creating a rich and tangy sauce. The slow-cooked chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce as it cooks. As you stir in the pasta and cheese, everything comes together in a symphony of taste and texture. This dish is also incredibly versatile—it can be served as a hearty dinner or enjoyed at a casual party or game day gathering. Additionally, the recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To create this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
How to Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Directions
Creating your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process. Start by preparing your ingredients—this will make the entire cooking process smoother.
- Begin by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
- In your slow cooker, combine the diced chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed, making sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Close the lid of your Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and flavorful as it absorbs the zesty Buffalo sauce.
- After the cooking time is complete, you’ll need to prepare the pasta. Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and your pasta is ready, stir the cooked penne into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture. Toss together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.
- Now it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, along with the chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. Gently mix everything until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve the warm Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta right out of the slow cooker, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
How to Serve Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Serving your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a fun and flexible experience. You can scoop the pasta directly from the slow cooker into individual bowls or plates, allowing everyone to help themselves. Consider garnishing each serving with additional green onions or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. Pair the dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the pasta. This meal is also hearty enough to stand alone, making it perfect for a filling weeknight dinner. If you’re hosting a gathering, set out some extra Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on the side for those who may want an extra kick or creaminess.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for fresh chicken breasts rather than frozen. Fresh chicken will absorb the flavors better during cooking.
- Cook on low: While it might be tempting to speed up the cooking time by setting your Crock Pot to high, cooking it on low for four hours yields the best results. This allows the chicken to become tender and fully infused with flavor.
- Don’t skip the cheese: Cheese is what makes this dish creamy and indulgent. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese if you’d like—Monterey Jack or feta could add a unique twist!
- Adjusting spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild version. You can also serve it with additional ranch dressing to cool down the heat.
- Make ahead: If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble everything in the Crock Pot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just plug it in to cook when ready.
How to Store Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Storing your delicious Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is easy and straightforward. Once you have enjoyed your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the pasta into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, ensuring there’s some room for expansion as it freezes. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of a quick meal later on. When you’re ready to eat the frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Variation of Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or even some beans for protein. Use the same sauce ingredients to maintain that signature buffalo flavor.
- Whole grain pasta: Swap regular penne with whole grain or gluten-free pasta to cater to different dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
- Add extra veggies: Incorporate some broccoli, spinach, or peas to boost the nutrition of this dish. You can add these vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they retain some texture.
- Cheesy variations: For a stronger cheesy flavor, experiment with different cheese combinations or even mix in some cream or a different type of creamy dressing.
- Different protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can try shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded beef as a substitute.
FAQ about Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
What is Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and pasta, all slow-cooked together for an easy and flavorful meal.
How long does it take to make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
The preparation time is quick, but the cooking process in the Crock Pot typically takes about 4 hours on low heat.
Can I make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time by assembling the ingredients in the Crock Pot the night before and cooking it the next day.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can vary based on the type of buffalo sauce used. For a milder dish, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or use less of it.
How do I store leftover Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking this delectable dish! Enjoy your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta!
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced Use fresh chicken for better flavor.
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce Adjust the spiciness as desired.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In your slow cooker, combine the diced chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir together until well mixed.
- Close the lid and set the Crock Pot to cook on low for about 4 hours.
Cooking
- After 4 hours, boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir the cooked penne into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture, tossing to coat.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, along with the chopped green onions. Mix gently until cheese is melted.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with additional green onions or cheese as desired.
- Pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
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