This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, juicy chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a fun picnic treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This fun shape holds onto the dressing well, making each bite flavorful. If you don’t have rotini, other pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or bowties work wonderfully too!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time here and adds great flavor. If you’re cooking your chicken at home, poaching is a great way to keep it juicy. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even swap it out for canned tuna for a twist.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you’re seeking a milder version, you can mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch or mayo. You can also use sriracha for a different flavor.
Creamy Dressing: Ranch dressing is a classic pairing, but blue cheese dressing brings a nice tang. If you’d like a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a substitute.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Doesn’t Stick Together?
A common issue is pasta clumping together after cooking. Here are some simple tips to prevent that:
- Make sure to use a large pot of salted boiling water. This helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Stir the pasta frequently during the first few minutes of cooking. This helps separate the noodles as they begin to soften.
- After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This cools it quickly and washes away excess starch, preventing sticking.
By following these tips, your pasta will stay perfectly al dente and separate in your salad!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s quick to throw together, making it a perfect choice for a speedy meal or a warm-weather picnic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce for that spicy kick!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chicken. Then, sprinkle in the diced celery, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
4. Add the Dressing:
Pour in the ranch or blue cheese dressing and mix it all up until everything is well coated with the creamy goodness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill and Serve:
If you want, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top for added flavor. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
Enjoy your cold or room-temperature spicy pasta salad as a perfect meal for lunch, a picnic, or a festive gathering. It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred it and mix it with the buffalo sauce for a quick and easy addition!
How Can I Make This Salad Less Spicy?
If you’re looking to tone down the heat, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce you use. You can also replace some of it with ranch dressing or mayonnaise to create a milder flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the ingredients may separate a bit.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, use a plant-based chicken substitute, a vegan ranch dressing, and skip the blue cheese. You can also add more veggies for a delicious twist!
