Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta shapes (such as penne); 1 tbsp sunflower oil; 3 chicken breasts (chopped into bite-size pieces, about 525g or 18.5oz); 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 chicken stock cube (crumbled); 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 1 onion (peeled and sliced); 1 red pepper (sliced); 1 yellow pepper (sliced); 2 jalapenos or medium heat green chillies (sliced); Small bunch spring onions (roughly chopped); 1 jalapeno or medium heat green chilli (sliced, for topping); 60 ml hot pepper sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp cider vinegar; 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) double (heavy) cream; 50 g (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese (grated)

If you love bold, spicy flavors that hit all the right notes, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug with a kick — creamy, tangy, and bursting with heat from jalapeños and hot sauce. I remember the first time I made it; my family couldn’t stop raving, and honestly, it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights when I want something quick but totally satisfying. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips on how to get this dish just right every single time.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for hectic nights without sacrificing flavor.
Bold Flavor Boost: The combo of Cajun spices, hot sauce, and jalapeños gives you that classic buffalo zip everyone craves.
Creamy Comfort: The double cream and Parmesan make it rich and indulgent, balancing the heat perfectly.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily tweak the spice level or swap in your favorite veggies for your personal touch.

A close top view of a silver pan filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is yellow pasta tubes, the middle layer is thick sliced red and yellow bell pepper strips and white onion strips, and the top layer is small browned chicken pieces sprinkled with round chopped green onions. A woman's hand stirs the food with a wooden spoon from the left side of the pan while another woman's hand holds the handle of the pan on the right. To the upper left is a white bowl with dark green chopped spring onions. The pan and bowl sit on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partly under the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta Recipes, Easy Chicken Pasta, Hot Sauce Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe comes down to balancing heat, creaminess, and savory goodness. Picking fresh peppers and quality chicken really makes a difference, and I always recommend using a good hot sauce you love because it sets the flavor tone.

Flat lay of penne pasta arranged neatly next to three whole uncracked chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of sunflower oil, a white bowl with a mound of Cajun spice mix, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, one crumbled chicken stock cube beside them, two peeled garlic cloves, one peeled and sliced onion, one red pepper sliced into strips, one yellow pepper sliced into strips, two sliced green jalapeno peppers, a small bunch of roughly chopped spring onions, a small white bowl filled with bright orange hot pepper sauce, a small white bowl with Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl containing cider vinegar, a small white bowl holding double cream, a white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, and one additional sliced jalapeno arranged in perfect symmetry, all fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta Recipes, Easy Chicken Pasta, Hot Sauce Pasta

Pasta shapes: Penne or similar shapes hold the sauce well, making every bite flavorful.
Sunflower oil: A neutral oil that cooks the chicken nicely without overpowering flavors.
Chicken breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Cajun spice mix: This adds smoky heat and depth; if you can make your own or find a good blend, even better!
Black pepper: Freshly ground, it enhances the overall spice profile.
Chicken stock cube: Crumbled in for extra savory umami punch.
Garlic: Minced for that essential aromatic base that lifts all the flavors.
Onion: Thinly sliced, it softens and sweetens as it cooks, balancing the heat.
Red and yellow peppers: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness against the spicy backdrop.
Jalapeños or medium heat green chilies: Sliced for that signature spicy kick you want, adjust the quantity if you’re sensitive to heat.
Spring onions: Roughly chopped to add freshness and a touch of crunch.
Hot pepper sauce: Choose your favorite buffalo-style or hot sauce for authentic heat and tang.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle depth and complexity that compliments the creaminess.
Cider vinegar: The acid brightens the sauce and balances richness.
Double (heavy) cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luscious texture.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for nutty flavor and richness that ties everything together.
Extra jalapeño for garnish: Adds a fresh spicy pop and pretty final touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is — depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge, you can easily switch it up. I encourage you to make it yours, whether that means dialing down the spice or adding in other veggies for more texture.

Mild Version: When my kids joined me at the table, I cut back on the jalapeños and swapped hot sauce for a milder buffalo-style sauce. It’s still so tasty, just less heat.
Extra Veggies: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or sweet corn — they soak up the sauce beautifully and add new flavors.
Spicy Upgrade: For heat lovers, I throw in smoky chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne for a richer spicy experience.
Protein Swap: Turkey or even tofu works well if you want to mix up the protein without losing that spicy, creamy vibe.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions — al dente is the way to go so it holds up when mixed in later. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it; it’s a game-changer for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Cajun Spice

Heat your sunflower oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun spice mix and black pepper – this is where the flavor building really begins! Stir occasionally, letting the chicken seal and brown for about 5 minutes, so it’s almost cooked through. Adding the crumbled chicken stock cube now boosts that savory depth beautifully.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Peppers

Next, stir in the garlic, onion, red and yellow peppers, and sliced jalapeños. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and the peppers begin to release their sweetness. This step is where the veggies and heat meld together to build that unmistakable buffalo flavor.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Cream and Cheese

Now, toss in the chopped spring onions, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, double cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir it all up and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook fully while allowing the creamy, tangy sauce to thicken and coat everything deliciously.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

By now your pasta should be perfectly cooked and drained. Add it straight into the pan and stir well to combine. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water until you get a smooth, saucy texture. Finally, divide the pasta among bowls and top each serving with fresh sliced jalapeños for that final fresh heat and pop of color.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Fresh Jalapeños Matter: Using fresh jalapeños for both cooking and garnish gives a crisp, vibrant heat that bottled hot sauce alone can’t match.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken cooks quickly with high heat and Cajun spices; pulling it off the stove once nearly cooked helps it stay juicy.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is magic for loosening sauce and helping it cling to pasta perfectly – I always keep a cup handy for this.
Balance Your Heat: If the sauce gets too spicy, a little extra cream or cheese can mellow it out without losing flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white plate filled with penne pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible black pepper specks. Among the pasta are chunks of cooked meat with a light brown color and a slightly textured surface. Thin red and yellow bell pepper strips are layered throughout, adding bright color contrasts. Sliced green chili rounds and chopped green onions are scattered on top, giving fresh green highlights. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta Recipes, Easy Chicken Pasta, Hot Sauce Pasta

Garnishes

I always top this dish with extra sliced jalapeños because they add fresh heat and a nice crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped spring onions or a bit more grated Parmesan on top — it’s the little things that elevate the whole experience and make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this are simple green salads or crunchy celery sticks, which help cool down the spiciness. Garlic bread also works wonderfully — the buttery, toasted crunch soaks up the creamy sauce like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served this inside crispy cheese bowls (think Parmesan nests) for a stunning presentation. You could also plate it over a bed of steamed greens or use colorful vegetable ribbons alongside for a fresh look that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store the pasta and sauce together, but adding a little splash of water before reheating helps keep it saucy and prevents it drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with good results. Just cool it completely before freezing in portions. When thawing, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream or water to bring back that creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the stove over the microwave for better texture. Warm it slowly in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or similar shapes are great because they hold the sauce well, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
How spicy is this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The recipe has a nice medium heat thanks to the jalapeños and hot pepper sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or choosing a milder hot sauce. It’s very flexible to your heat preference!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Make sure your chicken stock cube and hot sauce are gluten-free as well, as some brands contain additives.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as a substitute, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. Adding a bit more Parmesan can help keep that indulgent texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is one I keep returning to because it hits that beautiful balance of spicy, creamy, and comforting that I crave during busy weeks. It’s reliable, quick to pull together, and always gets compliments when I serve it up. If you love bold flavors and easy dinner solutions, this one’s for you — I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your loved ones!