This creamy buffalo chicken pasta salad is a tasty twist on a classic! Packed with tender chicken, pasta, and a zesty buffalo sauce, it’s perfect for a quick meal or a fun potluck dish.
If you’re a fan of a little kick, this salad is calling your name! I love it served cold—great for picnics or just a lazy lunch at home. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the creamy dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, you can use fusilli or penne instead! They both work nicely.
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is key here. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it saves time. You can use leftover chicken or even canned chicken as a quick alternative.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: For some heat! If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute it with a mild hot sauce. You can also use BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch dressing is creamy and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce, but if you love blue cheese, go for that! Greek yogurt can easily replace ranch for a healthier option.
Veggies: Celery and carrots add crunch. Feel free to add bell peppers or even diced cucumbers for extra freshness.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta for a Salad?
Cooking the pasta correctly is key to a great pasta salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the rotini and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. This usually means cooking it for 1-2 minutes less than the package recommends.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
- Make sure the pasta isn’t sticking together by tossing it lightly with a little olive oil.
By cooking it just right, your pasta will add the perfect texture to the salad without becoming mushy!
Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes from start to finish before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a big bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and mix it well until the chicken is fully coated. Get ready for some delicious flavor!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the cooled rotini pasta, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and green onions to the chicken mixture. Stir everything together gently to combine all those yummy ingredients.
4. Add the Dressing:
Pour in the ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing) and mix until everything is coated and creamy. The dressing gives it that delicious tang and creaminess you’ll love!
5. Add Blue Cheese:
Next, gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese. This will add that nice, rich flavor and texture to your salad.
6. Season and Chill:
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix, then cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a good stir, then serve it cold. You can garnish with extra green onions or blue cheese on top for a pretty presentation. Enjoy your creamy buffalo chicken pasta salad!
This creamy buffalo chicken pasta salad delivers a fantastic blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, complemented by crunchy veggies and tender pasta—a great choice for potlucks or weeknight dinners!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe. Just shred it and mix it in the same way as you would with the chicken. You’ll still get that delicious, creamy flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, you can use chickpeas or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh in place of chicken. For added flavor, toss the chickpeas in a bit of buffalo sauce to mimic the original recipe!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more as it chills!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little more ranch or buffalo sauce when reheating or serving again.
