This Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, chicken, and a zesty buffalo sauce. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a winner for lunch or dinner!
It’s great for parties or potlucks! I like to add some crunchy veggies for extra flavor. Plus, it’s so quick to throw together—you’ll be serving it up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is a great choice as its curly shape holds onto the dressing and buffalo sauce well. You can swap it for elbow macaroni, bowtie, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here for a quick option. If you’re vegetarian, you might try chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste! If it’s too spicy, mix in some BBQ sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can even make your own sauce with hot sauce and melted butter.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a lovely creamy flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick. If you dislike blue cheese, simply skip it or replace it with feta cheese.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add crunch, but you can switch in bell peppers, cucumbers, or even cherry tomatoes for a different texture.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Creamy Texture in Your Pasta Salad?
For a creamy texture, mixing in ranch or blue cheese dressing is key. Here’s a few tips to make sure it’s just right:
- Let the pasta cool completely to prevent curdling the dressing.
- Stir in the dressing gradually, tasting as you go, to find the right balance for your preference.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld and the dressing thicken slightly, enhancing the creaminess.
- Use full-fat dressings for a richer texture, but low-fat varieties can work too!
With these insights and tips, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying buffalo chicken pasta salad every time!
Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, so you can have it ready in about 45 minutes! Perfect for a quick meal or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Use a spoon or spatula to toss the chicken until it is thoroughly coated in the sauce. This adds a yummy kick to your pasta salad!
3. Mix in the Veggies and Cheese:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chicken. Then, include the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded carrots, diced celery, and chopped green onions. Mix everything together until well combined!
4. Add the Dressing:
Pour in the ranch or blue cheese dressing and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. This is what makes the salad creamy and delicious!
5. Final Touches:
Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, saving a little for garnish on the top. If you like, sprinkle some salt and pepper into the mix for extra flavor. Give it another gentle stir.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with any remaining crumbled blue cheese and fresh green onions. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and cheesy buffalo chicken pasta salad!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred it and toss it with the buffalo sauce for quick preparation!
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! You can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your taste or swap it out for a milder hot sauce or even BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor. You can adjust the dressing as well to balance the spice.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply give it a stir and add a little more dressing if it seems dry!
