Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

If you love the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and crave the comfort of a creamy pasta dish, this Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is about to become your go-to dinner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a spicy buffalo sauce, enriched with cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a one-pot indulgence. It’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort—your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a busy weeknight, or just in the mood for a hearty, flavorful meal, this dish delivers creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of prep, you’ll have a restaurant-style dinner ready without standing over the stove for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: Your slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Creamy and Spicy: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar, and buffalo sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• One-Pot Comfort Food: Chicken, sauce, and pasta come together beautifully.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Flexible: Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 servings, with approximately 650 calories per serving. All measurements are exactly as listed.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Additional buffalo sauce (optional, for serving)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart recommended)
• Pot for cooking pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Two forks (for shredding chicken)
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.

2. Add Sauces and Cream Cheese

Pour the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Place the softened cream cheese on top of the mixture.

3. Season the Dish

Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and sauces. This will add depth and enhance the flavors during slow cooking.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

• Low for 6–7 hours
• High for 3–4 hours

Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.

5. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

6. Add Cheese and Cream

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow the mixture to warm through for a few minutes to melt the cheese completely.

7. Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir until fully coated in the creamy buffalo sauce.

9. Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Adjusting Spice Levels

• For milder heat, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or reduce the amount.
• For extra spice, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Add Vegetables

• Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For more texture, roasted vegetables can be stirred in just before serving.

Cheese Options

• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for a different flavor.
• Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick.

Pasta Tips

• Penne or rotini works best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta; it will continue to absorb sauce when mixed.

Cream Substitutions

• Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version.
• Greek yogurt can add creaminess with a slight tang, stirred in at the end.

Flavor Profile & Serving Suggestions

Taste and Texture

• Spicy buffalo sauce balanced by creamy cheddar and cream cheese
• Tender, shredded chicken throughout
• Pasta coated in rich, velvety sauce
• Mild aromatics from garlic and onion powder

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.
• Add a side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• For a fun variation, top with crumbled blue cheese.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 650
• Protein: High, from chicken and cheese
• Carbohydrates: Moderate from pasta
• Fat: Rich, from cheese and cream
• Fiber: Low to moderate
• Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if using GF pasta; not dairy-free

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep

• Chop green onions and store separately for garnish.
• Chicken can be cooked and shredded in advance, then added to the slow cooker with sauce and cream just before serving.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep pasta separate if possible to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Freezing

• Best frozen without pasta.
• Add pasta when reheating to retain the perfect texture.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.

2. Can I make this in one pot without cooking pasta separately?

You can, but pasta may overcook or absorb too much sauce. Cooking separately ensures perfect texture.

3. Can I make it less spicy?

Yes. Use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount used.

4. Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are excellent options. Add during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

Freeze the sauce and chicken separately, without pasta. Add pasta when reheating.

6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but block cheese tends to melt more smoothly than pre-shredded.

Ingredient Spotlight

Buffalo Wing Sauce

The sauce gives this dish its signature spicy kick. Choose your favorite brand or make homemade buffalo sauce for a tangy and flavorful punch.

Cream Cheese

Adds creamy richness that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.

Pasta

Penne or rotini works best as they trap sauce in their ridges, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Layer cream cheese on top of chicken for even melting.
• Stir gently after adding pasta to avoid breaking it.
• Taste and adjust salt and spice before serving.
• Garnish with green onions last minute to keep freshness.
• Let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving; flavors deepen as it cools slightly.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Action	Time
Prep	Add chicken, sauces, seasonings to slow cooker	15 min
Cook	Slow cooker on low	6–7 hours
Cook	Slow cooker on high	3–4 hours
Finish	Add shredded cheese, cream	Final 10–15 min
Cook Pasta	Boil pasta in separate pot	10 min
Combine & Serve	Mix pasta into sauce, garnish	5 min

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, spicy, and satisfying. It combines all the flavors you love from buffalo chicken wings with the indulgence of a cheesy pasta dish. The slow cooker makes it effortless, leaving you with tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce without standing over the stove.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Garnished with green onions and extra buffalo sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing, hearty, and flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Try it today, and this spicy, creamy, cheesy pasta will be your new slow cooker obsession!

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