This Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad packs a punch with flavors! It’s made with tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy dressing tossed with pasta for a fun meal.
It’s like game day on a plate! I love making this for parties or just a cozy night at home. Bonus: it’s super quick to whip up, so you can get to the tasty part faster!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like using rotini because its twists hold onto the dressing well. You can swap it for any spiral pasta, like fusilli or even elbow macaroni, depending on what you have.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this recipe! You can also use leftovers or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the salad its signature kick. If you want a milder version, try using a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with barbecue sauce. You can also use a homemade version by mixing hot sauce with melted butter.
Blue Cheese: I love blue cheese for its strong flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feta or shredded cheddar cheese works well, too. You can even omit it completely if you prefer a lighter salad.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Well-Mixed and Flavorful?
The key to a great pasta salad is in the mixing and chilling. Here are some tips:
- Be sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing in the other ingredients. This helps prevent the dressing from becoming warm and separating.
- Use a large bowl to give yourself space to toss everything evenly. Add the dressing gradually, making sure all your ingredients are coated.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, or even longer! This allows the flavors to blend and deepen, making a more flavorful dish.
Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So you’re looking at around 45 minutes total before you can dig in and enjoy this creamy, zesty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and rinse it under cold water. This will cool the pasta down and stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain it well so it’s not watery!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, shredded carrots, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Mix everything together gently with a spoon to get an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing), and mayonnaise. Make sure everything is well combined. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make it as spicy as you like!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the creamy buffalo dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together well, making sure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. This is where the magic happens!
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, saving some for a garnish if you want to make it extra special. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and develop even more!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss. Top with extra blue cheese crumbles and freshly sliced green onions for added color and flavor. Enjoy this zesty, creamy pasta salad at your next potluck, casual dinner, or game day!
This pasta salad is easy to make and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!
FAQ About Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Other Pastas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use other types like fusilli, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions for best results!
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it for feta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese. You can also omit it for a lighter dish. Just adjust the dressing to keep it creamy!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance! Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or potlucks!
