This tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun twist on your usual pasta! It features tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and colorful veggies mixed with pasta for a satisfying meal.
It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or lunch, and it’s so easy to whip up! I love munching on it while watching game day—just add your favorite ranch dressing for extra yum! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing and bits of chicken nicely. If you can’t find rotini, any similar pasta works well—try fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni!
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its ease and flavor. However, feel free to use leftover baked or grilled chicken. You can also opt for shredded tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is where the heat comes from! Frank’s is a popular choice, but any hot sauce you enjoy will do. For a milder version, mix hot sauce with some melted butter.
Blue Cheese: It adds great flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese can be good substitutes. Or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Doesn’t Get Soggy?
To keep your pasta from becoming mushy, follow these tips:
- Cook the pasta until al dente—just firm enough to bite. Make sure to check the package for cooking times.
- Immediately drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast!
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the texture.
With these steps, you’ll have a delightful salad that’s crunchy and full of flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes of preparation time. You’ll want to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving, so set aside about an hour in total for the best flavors to develop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in that delicious spicy sauce. Make sure it’s well mixed—it’s where all the flavor comes from!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the cooled pasta, finely chopped celery, shredded carrots, and green onions to the bowl with the buffalo chicken. If you’re using ranch dressing, stir it in now to add a nice creamy texture and balance out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
4. Season and Serve:
Give everything a gentle mix to combine all the ingredients. Don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles on top for that extra kick!
5. Chill and Enjoy:
Cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final mix and enjoy your spicy, crunchy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
Dig in and enjoy this fun twist on a classic pasta salad—perfect for parties, picnics, or a satisfying lunch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for this salad, you can use any type of pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat options work well. Just be sure to cook it to al dente for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding more buffalo wing sauce or mixing in some chopped jalapeños. You could also use a spicier hot sauce than Frank’s. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just prepare it as directed, cover it, and store it in an airtight container. If you’re concerned about the pasta absorbing the dressing, consider tossing the salad with the dressing just before serving.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No worries! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can either leave it out entirely or substitute it with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. You can even skip the cheese altogether if you prefer a dairy-free option.
