Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors and comfort food all in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or hearty gatherings, where the Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick to tender chicken tossed with creamy cheese and pasta. You’ll find that the convenience of the slow cooker makes this a breeze to prepare, while still delivering a rich, satisfying meal that will please both families and guests alike.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
You’ll adore this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe for its effortless preparation. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it on low, and let it do the work for you. The combination of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and two types of cheese creates a luscious and creamy sauce that envelopes the pasta and chicken perfectly. Plus, the heat from the Buffalo sauce is balanced beautifully, making it appealing even for those who may be cautious about spicy food. It’s a winning dish for gatherings, as people can serve themselves and enjoy the flavors in every bite.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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
To start, you will want to prepare your chicken by dicing the breast into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to mix with the pasta and sauce later. Place the diced chicken in your slow cooker, and introduce the towering flavors of the recipe by adding the Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Be sure to stir the mixture well so that the chicken is evenly coated.
Next, cover your Crock Pot with its lid and set the temperature to low. This step is crucial, as you’ll want the chicken to become tender and absorb all those wonderful flavors over the course of about four hours. During this time, you can take a break and prepare your pasta.
While your chicken cooks away, bring a pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After it’s cooked, remember to drain the pasta and set it aside for the moment.
After four hours, check on your chicken. It should be perfectly cooked and infused with flavor. Now is the time to incorporate the penne pasta. Stir the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker, making sure to mix it thoroughly with the Buffalo chicken.
Now, it’s time to add the cheeses. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, letting them melt into the dish as you mix gently. You want the cheeses to blend seamlessly, creating that creamy texture that everyone will love. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top to add a bit of freshness and crunch.
Serve the dish warm for a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of flavors, textures, and convenience makes this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
How to Serve Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
When serving your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta, consider presentation. Ladle the creamy pasta into generous bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of that delicious sauce and chicken. You might also want to add a sprinkle of additional green onions for a pop of color, or a bit of extra cheese on top for the cheese lovers in your family.
This pasta dish can be complemented with crunchy sides. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette or some crunchy vegetable sticks offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider serving some garlic bread on the side too; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
You might want to have some extra ranch dressing and Buffalo sauce available for those who love to customize their servings even further. This way, everyone can adjust the heat and creaminess to their liking.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To maximize the flavor and texture of your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta, here are some expert tips:
- Ensure your chicken is of good quality. Opt for fresh chicken breast for the best results.
- Feel free to use frozen chicken if you’re short on time. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen chicken may take longer to reach the right temperature.
- If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding extra seasonings or spices such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper.
- For a healthier alternative, you might consider substituting whole wheat penne or adding some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the slow cooker.
- Monitor the cooking time closely based on your specific Crock Pot, as different models may cook at slightly different rates.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a standout dish every single time.
How to Store Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but happens!), storing your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a breeze. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring it’s ready for another meal or quick lunch during the week.
When it comes time to reheat, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, simply warm a single portion at a time until heated through. On the stovetop, place the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help bring back that creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed.
Variation of Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
One of the best things about this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes or to use ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack can add an extra kick, while goat cheese offers a tangy contrast.
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to swap the penne for other pasta types. Most short pasta shapes like rotini or ziti would work well.
- Add Vegetables: Consider stirring in cooked broccoli, bell peppers, or peas when you add the pasta for a veggie boost.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap out the chicken for cooked shredded beef or turkey if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
By trying out these variations, you can keep this dish exciting and fresh every time you make it!
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made with diced chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, pasta, and shredded cheese, all cooked together in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Cooking in a slow cooker on low takes about 4 hours. It allows the chicken to become tender and infuses great flavor throughout the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach when mixing in the pasta for added nutrition and flavor.
How should I store leftovers of Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since frozen chicken may take longer to fully cook.
With this enticing recipe at your fingertips, you’re well-equipped to create a dish everyone will rave about. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal!
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced Use fresh or frozen as desired.
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese Softened for easier mixing.
- 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.
- Place the diced chicken in the slow cooker along with the Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low for about 4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- After 4 hours, stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture.
- Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing gently until melted and combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
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