This Buffalo Chicken Crockpot Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken and hearty pasta—all effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy households craving a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Everything cooks in the crockpot, making cleanup easy and preparation stress-free.
Bold and Creamy Flavor: The spicy tang of buffalo sauce is perfectly balanced with rich cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
Versatile Dish: Great for family dinners, game days, or potlucks.
Comfort Food Classic: This dish is hearty, filling, and guaranteed to please buffalo chicken lovers.
Leftover-Friendly: Tastes just as good reheated the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Buffalo wing sauce
Ranch seasoning mix
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
Chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken, then pour the buffalo wing sauce on top.
Add the cream cheese in chunks over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce and cream cheese.
Add the uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir well.
Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4 to 7 hours (depending on heat setting)
Additional time for pasta: 30–40 minutes

Variations

Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce.
Use rotisserie chicken: For a quicker version, stir in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce the cook time.
Cheese options: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
Add veggies: Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or frozen peas during the last 30 minutes.
Low-carb version: Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower or serve over zoodles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Not ideal due to the dairy content, which may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can choose a milder version if you prefer less heat.

Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

It is not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Thaw the chicken first for best results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point before adding pasta, store it in the fridge, and finish cooking when ready to serve.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work well as they hold sauce effectively and cook evenly in the crockpot.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients, but be sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the volume and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You may try dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Monitor the pasta closely and stir occasionally during the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?

Yes, homemade buffalo sauce works perfectly if you prefer to control the ingredients and heat level.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Crockpot Pasta is the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. With its rich, spicy sauce and tender shredded chicken, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.