Are you ready to dive into a world of comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Say hello to Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta! This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce and the rich creaminess of cheese and cream, all enveloped around your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating a culinary experience that your family and friends will rave about. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s face it: everyone loves a good pasta dish, but what makes Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta truly special? Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a flavor profile that’s both spicy and creamy perfect for those who love a little heat!
- Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it! This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for those busy days when cooking feels like a chore.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both adults and kids. The creamy sauce balances the spicy buffalo flavor, making it approachable for even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile: Whether you want to serve it over pasta, in a burrito, or as a filling for stuffed peppers, the possibilities are endless!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved, making it perfect for meal prepping. Cook once, enjoy multiple meals!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about making Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, consider the advantages:
- Easy Cleanup: One pot is all you need! The slow cooker does the hard work, and you’ll have fewer dishes to wash afterward.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce. You can even add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s chilly outside. This recipe will warm you up from the inside out.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make in large batches!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To whip up this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: additional buffalo sauce for serving
And here are the utensils you’ll need:
- Slow cooker
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Colander for draining pasta
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have everything you need, let’s walk through the steps to create your Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
- Prepare Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spread out for even cooking.
- Add Sauces: Pour the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth directly over the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture. This will help create that deliciously creamy texture.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This extra seasoning will enhance the overall flavor.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded when done. Don’t rush this step; low and slow is key!
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This step is crucial for ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
- Cook Pasta: While your chicken mixture is finishing up, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You want the pasta to have a slight bite to it.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Ensure that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired for an extra kick.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours for low and 30 minutes for high settings.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then cook it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly different.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in some additional cream cheese to balance the heat.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes! Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its minimal cleanup and customizable options, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how your version turned out! Be sure to try this recipe and explore more delicious options on our website. Happy cooking!
Check out more recipes like Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup and Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for more comfort food inspirations!
For additional ideas, visit our Pinterest page!
Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta!
