The Best Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Get ready to discover an amazing Crockpot recipe that brings together the best of comfort food! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with savory and spicy flavor, and perfectly suited for any family meal. Prepare to enjoy a deeply satisfying dish that requires minimal hands-on effort but delivers maximum taste. It’s truly a beginner-friendly meal, designed to simplify your cooking and fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle, allowing you to create something truly special with remarkable ease.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Recipe

You are going to absolutely adore this incredible Crockpot recipe for so many compelling reasons. It truly makes dinner effortless and delicious. This is the ultimate comfort food solution for anyone seeking a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal fuss.

• Simple, Hands-Off Cooking: Just add ingredients, set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic for you.
• Crowd-Pleasing Buffalo Flavor: Enjoy a delightful blend of spicy buffalo and creamy ranch that everyone at your table will love.
• Customizable Spice Levels: Easily adjust the buffalo sauce from wonderfully mild to deliciously fiery to perfectly suit your personal taste.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This fantastic slow cooker meal ensures a satisfying, warm dinner is ready precisely when you are, freeing up your evening.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: It skillfully uses common pantry staples, making it an economical yet incredibly hearty choice for a large, satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple and readily available ingredients to craft your next favorite Crockpot recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pasta. You’ll likely discover many essential staples already in your pantry and refrigerator, making this an exceptionally convenient and undeniably delicious choice for dinner.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 TBSP dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 tsp each of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (approx. 15 oz) Alfredo sauce
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/4 cup if you prefer less spice)
• 1 (16 oz) box of pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 TBS bottled ranch dressing

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here, or use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
• Onion: Freshly chopped yellow onion provides great flavor, but frozen diced onion is a perfectly acceptable shortcut.
• Seasoning: Feel completely free to adjust the amounts of each spice to match your personal taste preferences.
• Buffalo Sauce: Choose your absolute favorite heat level, ranging from a mild and tangy option to an extra hot variety.
• Alfredo: A good quality store-bought Alfredo sauce dramatically simplifies this dish, but homemade works beautifully too.
• Pasta: Any sturdy, short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or cavatappi is ideal; they hold up best and absorb flavors well.
• Cheese: For the ultimate smooth melt and superior flavor, always opt for freshly shredded cheeses over pre-shredded.
• Ranch: Bottled ranch dressing is undeniably crucial for this Crockpot recipe, contributing a creamy, tangy, and essential cooling balance to the buffalo heat.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this incredibly easy Crockpot recipe. Just a few standard kitchen items will thoroughly prepare you for success and a truly delicious meal without any fuss. Grab your large slow cooker (a 6-quart is recommended), a sharp knife and cutting board, a large pot for pasta, measuring spoons and cups, and two forks for shredding chicken.

Instructions

Follow these simple and straightforward steps to create a delightful Buffalo Chicken Pasta Crockpot recipe. Even beginner cooks will find these instructions incredibly easy to master, leading to a consistently delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum reward.

1. Prep Slow Cooker: Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the chopped yellow onion directly into the bottom of your large slow cooker. Arrange them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
2. Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix, along with the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over the chicken and onion. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated to infuse it with incredible flavor.
3. Add Buffalo Sauce: Pour the buffalo wing sauce generously over the seasoned chicken mixture. Start with 1/4 cup if you prefer less heat. You can always add more later for a spicier kick, making this a truly customizable Crockpot recipe.
4. Cook Chicken: Secure the lid firmly on your slow cooker. Cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is exceptionally tender and easily shreddable.
5. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the perfectly cooked chicken breasts and transfer them to a sturdy cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, stirring it into the buffalo sauce and onion mixture.
6. Cook Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Add your chosen short pasta and cook precisely according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked, ensuring no excess water remains.
7. Combine Sauces: To the shredded chicken already in the slow cooker, add the entire jar of creamy Alfredo sauce and the bottled ranch dressing. This combination creates a rich and tangy base. If you crave a spicier, more intense buffalo flavor, now is the ideal moment to stir in an extra splash of buffalo sauce.
8. Add Cheese: Next, incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture. Stir everything together gently until the cheeses begin to melt beautifully and are fully incorporated into the creamy, luscious sauce, adding wonderful richness to this incredible Crockpot recipe.
9. Add Pasta: Finally, gently fold the drained, perfectly cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture within the slow cooker. Stir until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the delicious, vibrant buffalo Alfredo sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
10. Serve: Give the entire dish a final, thorough stir to combine all the wonderful components. Serve your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta hot, garnished perhaps with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or an additional drizzle of ranch dressing if desired. Enjoy this easy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Adjust Spice: Always begin with the smaller amount of buffalo sauce. It’s much easier to add more heat later than to try and reduce it. Taste and adjust before the final serve.
• Perfect Pasta: Prevent mushy pasta by avoiding overcooking it. The pasta should be al dente when you drain it and add it directly to the crockpot for best texture.
• Creamy Texture: For the smoothest, most luxurious sauce, prioritize using freshly shredded cheeses. They melt far more evenly and incorporate better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Prevent Dryness: Ensure your pasta is generously coated in sauce. If the mixture appears too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
• Make Ahead: To significantly save time on your cooking day, chop your onion and measure out all your dry seasonings the night before. This clever trick streamlines your morning prep for this hearty Crockpot recipe.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Serving: Garnish your finished pasta with vibrant fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a final drizzle of extra ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for an elevated touch.
• Sides: This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green side salad, warm, crusty garlic bread perfect for soaking up sauce, or a simple side of steamed vegetables like tender broccoli florets or vibrant green beans.
• Add-ins: Elevate your pasta further by stirring in cooked, crumbled bacon, a handful of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes, or a block of cream cheese for incredible extra creaminess and richness. Diced celery can also add a delightful crunch.
• Protein Variations: For an even quicker meal, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; simply shred and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. Ground chicken or turkey can also be used, just ensure you brown it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This versatile Crockpot recipe allows for many delicious adaptations.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredient calculations. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and precise serving sizes. We recommend consulting a registered dietitian for personalized advice. This delicious and satisfying Crockpot recipe offers a substantial and hearty meal for your family.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you absolutely can! There’s no need to thaw the chicken breasts before adding them to your slow cooker. Just ensure they cook through completely until tender.
• Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely. For even faster prep, shred a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just before you incorporate the pasta and cheeses.
• How many does this crockpot recipe serve? This hearty Crockpot recipe typically yields approximately 6-8 generous servings, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or convenient meal prepping throughout the week.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, leftovers from this pasta dish freeze wonderfully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• What kind of pasta works best? Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or cavatappi are generally ideal as they hold up well in the slow cooker’s creamy sauce and perfectly capture all the delicious flavors.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Crockpot recipe truly redefines what easy comfort food can be. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you can consistently enjoy a deeply flavorful, satisfying meal any night of the week without stress. It’s absolutely perfect for busy families and novice cooks alike, promising delicious, crowd-pleasing results every single time. Give this amazing slow cooker dish a try and discover your new go-to Crockpot recipe that everyone will wholeheartedly love!

The Best Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Enjoy a creamy and spicy slow-cooked Buffalo chicken pasta dish, perfect for an easy weeknight meal with a kick. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory seasonings, and a blend of cheeses with your favorite pasta.

Print Recipe click

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings 6 people

Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large pot

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 TBSP dry ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce start with 1/4 if you don’t like it spicy
• 1 16 oz box pasta

Finishing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 TBS bottled ranch dressing

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Combine chicken, chopped onion, dry ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and buffalo sauce in a slow cooker.
• Cook the mixture on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
• Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the Alfredo sauce, optional additional buffalo sauce for extra spice, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and bottled ranch dressing.
• Add the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce mixture, then mix everything together until well combined.
• Serve the creamy Buffalo chicken pasta hot and enjoy your meal.

Notes

For a less spicy version, start with the smaller amount of buffalo sauce and adjust to your preference. This dish is excellent topped with fresh chives or blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor and texture.