This buffalo chicken pasta crock pot recipe is an effortless way to turn a classic favorite into a family meal. It's creamy, cheesy - and a fantastic blend of flavors from the buffalo wing and alfredo sauces, two kinds of cheeses, and ranch seasoning! It's made super easy with jarred sauces, uncooked pasta, and pantry-ready seasonings.
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You'll Love This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Effortless Family Recipe. Use jarred sauces, pre-shredded and crumbled cheeses, dry pasta, and seasonings you may already have on hand. Dump it all in the pot, let it cook, then watch your family devour it!
Classic Fantastic Flavors! Buffalo wings are an American classic - why not turn those fabulous flavors into a family-friendly meal in one? Top it off with diced celery, sliced green onion, and extra buffalo sauce on top for garnish.
Pantry-Ready. Most of the ingredients called for in this recipe can be found in your pantry or fridge already. I usually just have to grab chicken and blue cheese crumbles to make this entire meal!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Crockpot Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this buffalo chicken pasta crock pot recipe:
- Jarred Alfredo Sauce: any brand of Alfredo sauce will work! I usually just make sure that it's in a 15-ounce jar.
- Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce: you can use mild or hot based on your preferred spice level.
- Chicken Broth: use low sodium or regular chicken broth or stock.
- Uncooked Penne Pasta: you can also substitute with any pasta such as bowtie, shells or elbow noodles.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: substitute with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: mild, sharp, or a blend will work great in this recipe--use what you have on hand!
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: if you don't like blue cheese you can substitute with feta or goat cheese crumbles or omit if desired.
- Seasonings: ranch seasoning mix.
- Garnish: optional garnishes include additional shredded cheese, blue cheese crumbles, green onion, or chopped celery.
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
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PinSubstitutions and Variations
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of the chicken breast.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken and shred prior to adding to the crockpot.
- Add fresh veggies such as onion, carrots, or celery. If adding, you will need to saute or microwave until it the veggies are tender prior to adding to the crockpot. They won't have enough time to cook fully if you add in raw.
- Use any kind of pasta in this recipe if desired. Some suggestions are bowtie, medium sized shells, elbow or rotini pasta.
- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if desired.
- Use mild, medium or hot buffalo wing sauce based on your spice level preference. You can always use mild or medium and add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Add in chopped chilies, diced serrano, or jalapeno peppers for some fresh heat.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta in Crockpot
This is intended as an overview only. For detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below. Enjoy!
1. In a large bowl, or directly in the crockpot, stir together all ingredients except the sour cream.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH until the pasta in the middle of the pot is tender and chicken is cooked.
3. Stir in the sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
PinGarnish with fresh chopped celery and green onions, drizzle with buffalo wing sauce, and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
Serve on its own or pair with a roasted vegetable side dish like cauliflower, broccoli, or green beans.
Meal idea! This dish pairs really well with a tossed green salad with vegetables and your favorite salad dressing! Add a side of fresh sliced bread for an effortless side dish.
Tips
- The dish is done when the pasta in the center of the crockpot is very tender and not gluey or chewy in texture.
- Every slow cooker runs a little different temperature-wise. Adjust the cooking time according to model.
- Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature of the chicken pieces reach 165 degrees F when measured with a thermometer.
FAQ's
Allow to cool, then transfer to an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Transfer the amount of pasta you want to reheat to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on low in 30-second increments, stirring between sessions. Heat until you reach your desired temperature.
Yes!! I love adding dry pasta to my dishes cooked in a slow cooker. The important thing is that you have to ensure there is enough liquid or sauce so the pasta can absorb it and cook properly.
Overcooking your pasta in your slow cooker will result in mushy pasta. Make sure you test your pasta in the centermost section of the crockpot to ensure it is perfectly done.
Yes. You can add cooked pasta to your slow cooker; however, you should only add it about 15 to 20 minutes before serving just to warm the pasta.
Recipe
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (15 to 16-ounce) jars alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup mild buffalo chicken wing sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1½ inch cubes
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles finely shredded
- 1 (1-ounce) package of ranch seasoning mix (or, 2 tablespoons if you have a jar instead of a packet)
- ⅔ cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, or directly in the crockpot stir together all ingredients except the sour cream.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 4 hours or until the pasta in the middle of the pot is tender and chicken is cooked.
- Stir in sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Use chicken thighs in place of chicken breast; rotisserie chicken can be substituted; fresh veggies such as onion, carrots, and celery can be added but they must be diced near tender before adding (cook in the microwave with a little water about 5 minutes on high)
- TIPS: Adjust seasoning and heat level to your taste preferences - I kept this mild to accommodate everyone as much as possible; The dish is done when pasta sampled from the center of the pot is very tender and not gluey or chewy in texture. Every crockpot is different, so your cooking time may vary from mine.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Garnish with fresh chopped celery, green onions, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. This dish pairs really well with a tossed green salad.
Nutrition
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