
Introduction
Looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner that packs a spicy punch? Look no further than this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta! This dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and the bold flavors of buffalo sauceβall cooked together to create an irresistible one-pot meal.
Simply toss all your ingredients into the Crock Pot, set it, and let it work its magic while you relax. The result is a dish that’s not only flavor-packed, but also easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy your new favorite pasta recipe! ππ₯
Ingredients (in Grams)
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 250g pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 240ml buffalo sauce (about 1 cup)
- 240ml ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 240g cream cheese, softened
- 120g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 120g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Β½ teaspoon salt
- Β½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken & Cook the Pasta
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta & Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the Crock Pot, stirring gently to combine.
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is well coated and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Serve the Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions and extra shredded cheese if desired.
- For an extra kick, top with crumbled blue cheese.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving β Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 850mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
- Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and will give the dish a slightly richer flavor.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
- Absolutely! You can shred the chicken and prepare the pasta ahead of time, then combine everything in the Crock Pot and cook for about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
- Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of ranch dressing to tone it down. For extra heat, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce!
4. Can I Freeze Leftovers?
- Yes! Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra ranch dressing or buffalo sauce if needed.
Why Youβll Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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Minimal prep time β just set it and forget it!
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Creamy, cheesy, and spicy β the perfect combination of flavors
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Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
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Great for busy weeknights or game days
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