There’s something magical about combining the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comfort of pasta salad. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into exciting culinary adventures. Born from my love of Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta and the need for quick, satisfying meals, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.
Perfect for busy families, potluck gatherings, or meal prep enthusiasts, this chicken pasta salad requires no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The beauty lies in its versatility – serve it warm as a hearty dinner or chilled as a refreshing lunch. With protein-packed chicken and satisfying pasta, it’s a complete meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Cost: Affordable
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta Salad
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For the Buffalo Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional blue cheese crumbles
- Buffalo sauce drizzle
- Celery leaves
Equipment Required
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking chicken
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in your chicken pasta salad recipes.
- Set aside to cool completely while preparing the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend creates the foundation for easy buffalo chicken that’s packed with flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes without moving, allowing it to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before incorporating into the salad.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and apple cider vinegar. This combination creates a creamy Buffalo Wild Wing chicken pasta inspired sauce without cream cheese.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should have a tangy, spicy kick that complements the protein buffalo chicken pasta perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces for the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Finely chop the red onion to add sharpness without overwhelming the dish.
- Slice the green onions and halve the cherry tomatoes for fresh, colorful elements.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked buffalo chicken, diced celery, red onion, green onions, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the buffalo dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- If using blue cheese, fold it in carefully to maintain chunky pieces that provide bursts of tangy flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more buffalo sauce for heat or mayo for creaminess.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Cover the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a final stir and adjust seasoning if needed. The pasta may absorb some dressing during chilling.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, additional blue cheese, and a drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better in salads and won’t become mushy when mixed with dressing.
- Let ingredients cool completely before assembling to prevent the dressing from separating or becoming watery.
- Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce level to your preferred heat tolerance. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Make ahead friendly – This salad actually improves in flavor after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
Delicious Variations
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Version: For those who prefer buffalo chicken pasta without cream cheese but want extra creaminess, add an extra 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the dressing.
Vegetable-Packed Version: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or corn kernels for extra nutrition and color contrast.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience, or try buffalo cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Heat Level Adjustments: For mild palates, use a 2:1 ratio of ranch to buffalo sauce. For heat lovers, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Storage and Meal Prep
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta salad stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve over time, making it perfect for meal prep. For best results, store any extra buffalo sauce separately and add before serving to refresh the flavors.
Freezing: While not recommended due to texture changes in the pasta and vegetables, the cooked buffalo chicken can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish works wonderfully as:
- A main course for lunch or dinner
- A side dish at BBQs and potlucks
- A game day crowd-pleaser
- A make-ahead meal prep option
Pair with crisp romaine lettuce, garlic bread, or fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances multiple flavor profiles and textures perfectly. The easy buffalo chicken provides protein and heat, while the pasta offers satisfying carbohydrates. Fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrition, and the creamy buffalo dressing ties everything together without being heavy or overwhelming.
Unlike traditional Buffalo Wild Wings chicken pasta dishes that rely heavily on cream cheese, this version achieves richness through a smart combination of mayonnaise and ranch dressing. This approach creates a lighter, more balanced dish that doesn’t leave you feeling overly full.
The beauty of this chicken pasta salad recipes lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer gathering or preparing weekly lunches, this recipe scales easily and keeps well. The bold buffalo flavors satisfy comfort food cravings while the fresh vegetables and lean protein make it a reasonably healthy choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. You may need to add a splash of buffalo sauce or mayo before serving to refresh the dressing.
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta without cream cheese?
This recipe is specifically designed without cream cheese! The creamy texture comes from a combination of mayonnaise and ranch dressing, creating a lighter but equally satisfying result. This approach allows the buffalo flavors to shine without being masked by heavy dairy.
What’s the best pasta shape for Chicken Pasta Salad?
Penne, rotini, and bowtie pasta work best because their shapes hold onto the dressing and capture small pieces of chicken and vegetables. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or angel hair, as they don’t work well in salad applications.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Easy Buffalo Chicken recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut. Simply shred or chop 3-4 cups of rotisserie chicken and toss with 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce before adding to the salad. This reduces cooking time significantly.
How spicy is this Protein Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
The heat level is moderate and customizable. Using standard buffalo wing sauce creates a tangy, mildly spicy dish that most people enjoy. You can adjust the heat by using more or less buffalo sauce, or by choosing a milder or hotter variety of wing sauce.
Ready to make this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad? Gather your ingredients and give this crowd-pleasing recipe a try! The combination of bold buffalo flavors and satisfying pasta creates the perfect comfort food that’s suitable for any occasion.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Share your photos on social media and tag us – we love seeing your culinary creations. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next potluck or meal prep session!
Looking for more pasta salad inspiration? Check out our other favorite recipes including Classic Italian Pasta Salad, Greek Orzo Salad, and Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for more delicious meal ideas that your family will love.
