This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of spicy and creamy! It’s made with tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a zesty buffalo sauce that adds a kick to every bite.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both tasty and easy? I like to whip this up for lunch or bring it to potlucks—everyone goes wild for it! Just remember to have some extra napkins handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you can’t find rotini, feel free to swap in fusilli, penne, or even macaroni for a different style!
Shredded Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. You can also cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs at home. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute with chickpeas or a firm tofu for protein.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: For heat, I stick to my favorite brand, but you can control the spice! Use a milder hot sauce if you’re sensitive to heat or want to make it kid-friendly.
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch dressing is great if you have the time, but store-bought saves time. Greek yogurt is a lighter option that still gives a creamy finish.
Blue Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, crumbled feta or goat cheese can give a different, but still tasty, tang!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked and Cooled?
Cooking pasta to the right level is crucial. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook pasta in salted water, following the package directions until al dente—this means it should be slightly firm when bitten.
- Once cooked, immediately drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting mushy.
- Let the pasta drain fully before adding it to the salad, so it doesn’t water down the other ingredients.
Taking this extra step ensures that every bite of your salad is just right!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and mix, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for an easy meal or potluck dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but not hard). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This will stop the cooking process and help prevent it from getting mushy.
2. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take your cooked, shredded chicken and drizzle in the buffalo wing sauce. Toss it all together until every piece of chicken is nicely coated in the spicy sauce. This is where the flavor starts to build!
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, add your cooled pasta to the chicken mixture. Then sprinkle in the chopped celery, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Give everything a gentle stir until all the ingredients are mixed in well.
4. Incorporate the Dressings:
Now it’s time for the creamy goodness! Pour in the ranch dressing and mix everything again until everything is evenly combined. You want that creamy ranch to cover all the delicious ingredients!
5. Fold in the Blue Cheese:
Carefully fold in the crumbled blue cheese for that tangy flavor, remembering to save a little for garnishing later. As with mixing, be gentle so you don’t break the pasta or the cheese.
6. Season to Taste:
Now, take a moment to taste your pasta salad. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to your liking and mix again.
7. Chill Out:
Cover your salad with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld together—so don’t skip this step!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir. Then, before dishing it out, sprinkle a bit more crumbled blue cheese and some green onions on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta salad!
Perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or just a quick and tasty meal!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce as per the recipe. It adds amazing flavor and saves you from having to cook your own chicken!
Is There a Way to Make This Salad Less Spicy?
Yes! You can use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with equal parts ranch dressing to tone down the heat. You can also try using plain hot sauce instead of buffalo for a milder touch.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again, as the flavors may settle.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This pasta salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to a day in advance; just remember to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
