Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo chicken pasta crock pot is one of those easy dinners that feels like comfort food with a little extra personality. It's creamy, cheesy, packed with protein, and made with simple shortcuts that make busy weeknights a whole lot easier without sacrificing flavor.

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The backstory.

This recipe came about on one of those nights when everyone wanted something different for dinner. One person wanted pasta, another wanted buffalo chicken, and I wanted the easiest dinner possible. Thankfully, the slow cooker came to the rescue. The result was this creamy buffalo chicken pasta that checks all the boxes and somehow manages to disappear faster than I can put away the leftovers.

It's a must make.

When you're craving comfort food but don't feel like standing over the stove, this buffalo chicken pasta crock pot recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.

• Creamy with just the right kick. The combination of alfredo sauce, chicken wing sauce, and sour cream creates a rich, creamy sauce with a mild spicy finish.
• Easy weeknight dinner. Everything cooks together in one pot, including the penne pasta, making cleanup a breeze.
• Packed with protein. Tender chicken breasts and two kinds of cheese make this a hearty meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Family-friendly. The heat level is easy to adjust, so you can make it mild enough for the whole family or turn things up if you prefer.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

Imagine a forkful of tender penne pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy buffalo sauce with juicy bites of chicken throughout. The alfredo sauce adds richness, the chicken wing sauce brings a tangy buffalo flavor, and the ranch seasoning mix ties everything together. The cheddar cheese melts into the sauce while the blue cheese adds a subtle savory bite. It's cozy, cheesy, creamy comfort food with just enough spicy flavor to keep things interesting.

What you'll need.

Crock pot buffalo chicken pasta keeps things simple with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create a creamy, satisfying dinner.

• Alfredo sauce: The base of the sauce that gives this dish its rich and creamy texture.
• Chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.
• Buffalo chicken wing sauce: Adds that classic buffalo flavor and a mild spicy kick.
• Uncooked penne pasta: Cooks directly in the slow cooker, saving time and dishes.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender chunks of chicken make this meal filling and protein-packed.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce and adds plenty of cheesy goodness.
• Blue cheese crumbles: A classic buffalo chicken pairing that adds extra flavor.
• Ranch seasoning mix: Brings savory seasoning and helps balance the buffalo sauce.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for an extra creamy finish.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make slow cooker buffalo chicken pasta.

Here's an overview on how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!

1. Combine the alfredo sauce, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning mix, pasta, chicken, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on high until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
3. Stir everything well to combine and create a smooth, cheesy sauce.
4. Mix in the sour cream, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Make it your way.

Slow cooker buffalo chicken pasta is easy to make your own with a few different swaps.

• Swap the chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.
• Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster dinner.
• Increase the buffalo sauce if you like a spicier dish.
• Use Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese in place of cheddar.
• Add diced celery and carrots for extra texture and vegetables.
• Skip the blue cheese if it's not your favorite and add extra cheddar instead.
• Stir in cooked bacon for a fun buffalo chicken twist.

How to serve it.

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This buffalo chicken pasta crock pot recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple additions make it even better.

• Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped celery, extra blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Add garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up every bit of sauce.
• Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables for an easy complete meal.
• Set out extra ranch or blue cheese dressing so everyone can customize their bowl.

Kori's tips.

• Check the pasta from the center of the slow cooker first - that's usually the last area to finish cooking.
• Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so start checking for doneness around the 2-hour mark.
• If you'd like more heat, add additional buffalo sauce after cooking.
• Finely shredded cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce.
• Stir in the sour cream at the very end for the creamiest texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese when possible for the best melt and flavor.
• Don't overcook the pasta or it can become soft and lose its texture.

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