Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Spicy & Comforting Dinner

Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, melty cheddar, and the bold kick of buffalo wing sauce. This Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe makes dinner effortless while delivering rich, spicy, and indulgent flavors that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, it brings together protein, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy buffalo sauce in one easy-to-assemble dish. If you’re searching for an easy slow cooker buffalo chicken recipe, creamy buffalo pasta, or a hearty weeknight dinner that’s both spicy and comforting, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Introduction

Buffalo chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta turns it into a complete meal with minimal effort. The chicken cooks low and slow in buffalo sauce and chicken broth, absorbing bold flavor while becoming tender enough to shred easily. Cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream combine to create a luxuriously creamy sauce that balances the heat and coats each bite of pasta perfectly.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy spicy pasta, this dish delivers big flavor with little hands-on time. Topped with green onions and optional extra buffalo sauce, it’s both visually appealing and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker convenience
• Bold, spicy buffalo flavor with creamy balance
• Juicy shredded chicken and tender pasta
• Family-friendly comfort meal with a kick
• Beginner-friendly with minimal prep
• Can be customized with extra cheese or buffalo sauce

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 600 per serving

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)

Ingredient Function

Chicken breasts: Provide tender, juicy protein that absorbs buffalo sauce flavor.

Buffalo wing sauce: Adds signature heat and tang.

Cream cheese & heavy cream: Create a smooth, rich, and creamy sauce.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for cheesy depth.

Pasta: Absorbs sauce and provides hearty texture.

Garlic and onion powders: Add aromatic warmth and subtle flavor balance.

Green onions: Brighten the dish with freshness and color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Pot for cooking pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two forks (for shredding chicken)
• Spoon for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour 1 cup buffalo wing sauce and 1 cup chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Add 1 cup softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
4. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly over the slow cooker ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and can be easily shredded.
6. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. In a separate pot, cook 12 ounces pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine all ingredients.
10. Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken pasta into bowls. Garnish with 1/2 cup chopped green onions and drizzle additional buffalo sauce if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian option: Use cooked chickpeas or a plant-based protein instead of chicken.

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and check buffalo sauce for gluten content.

Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream alternatives.

Spice adjustment: Increase or decrease buffalo sauce to your preferred heat level.

Extra cheese: Mix in more cheddar or mozzarella for richer flavor.

Flavor Profile

Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is bold, creamy, and comforting. The buffalo sauce provides a tangy, spicy kick, while cream cheese and heavy cream balance the heat with velvety richness. Cheddar adds sharpness and depth, and garlic and onion powders enhance aroma and flavor. The pasta absorbs the sauce for every bite, while green onions provide fresh contrast and color.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (estimated):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: Approximately 40g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
• Fat: Approximately 35g
• Fiber: Approximately 2g

Contains dairy; gluten depends on pasta used.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare chicken and sauce the night before and refrigerate.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, add extra cooking time and ensure chicken is cooked through before shredding.

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli work well.

Is it possible to make this less spicy?
Reduce buffalo sauce or mix with mild wing sauce.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough for extra volume.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	6 hours	6 hours 15 minutes	6

Serving Suggestions

Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with green onions and optional extra buffalo sauce for heat. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to balance richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
2. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for more heat.
3. Stir in blue cheese crumbles for classic buffalo flavor.
4. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Ingredient Spotlight

Buffalo Wing Sauce

Select a quality buffalo sauce with the right balance of heat and vinegar tang. Store unopened bottles in a cool pantry and refrigerate after opening.

Cream Cheese

Use softened cream cheese to ensure smooth incorporation into the sauce. Full-fat provides the creamiest texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Keep lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture.
• Shred chicken while warm for easy incorporation into the sauce.
• Stir cream and cheddar in gradually for smooth, creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator: Store up to 3–4 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Can freeze portions up to 2 months; sauce may separate slightly.
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	600
Protein	~40g
Carbs	~40g
Fat	~35g
Fiber	~2g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy; gluten depends on pasta choice.

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta delivers rich, spicy, and comforting flavors with minimal effort. With tender shredded chicken, creamy cheddar sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a cozy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable. Save it, share it, and enjoy this flavorful buffalo twist whenever you want a comforting, easy-to-make pasta meal.

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