By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 25, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners with this easy and flavorful Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
This delectable dish is packed with flavor, sure to please even the pickiest eaters! It’s an excellent way to make a quick dinner the whole family will love. The best part? No cream cheese required!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making this delicious dish from scratch. You’ll learn how to create a creamy and flavorful sauce, as well as what to serve it with for a complete meal.
What is Buffalo Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese?
Buffalo chicken pasta with no cream cheese is a delicious twist on classic buffalo chicken. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights, offering all the flavor of classic buffalo chicken with none of the guilt.
The sauce is thickened without the need for cream cheese, making it lighter and healthier than traditional dishes. This dish is packed with protein from the cooked chicken and fiber and vitamins from the pasta.
What does it taste like?
This Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta offers all the flavor of classic buffalo chicken without the heaviness of cream cheese. The sauce is rich and creamy, with a hint of heat from the buffalo sauce.
The cooked chicken adds a protein punch to this hearty dish, while the spiral pasta holds up well against the bold flavors. The best part? This dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The flavors are bold and satisfying without being overpowering, making it a great choice for picky eaters.
How did I first get introduced to the Buffalo Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese?
I first got introduced to Buffalo Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese when I was looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe. I had seen several recipes that included cream cheese, but I wanted something lighter. That’s when I stumbled upon this delicious dish!
I was immediately drawn to the simple yet flavorful ingredients – spiral pasta, cooked chicken, chicken broth, cornstarch, milk or heavy cream, and buffalo sauce. I was confident that the combination of these ingredients would result in a delicious meal. Plus, with no cream cheese required, I could enjoy all the flavors without feeling weighed down!
Once I had gathered all the ingredients, I followed the step-by-step instructions to create this creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. I was amazed at how quickly it came together – within 30 minutes, dinner was ready! The sauce had a rich and creamy texture with just the right kick of heat. And the chicken added the perfect amount of protein to this hearty dish.
I couldn’t believe how delicious this meal was without any cream cheese! Everyone at the table loved it, including my picky eaters. From then on, Buffalo Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese has been a regular part of our meal rotation.
This dish is now one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights! It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packs in all the flavors I love without any cream cheese. If you’re looking for a tasty dinner that comes together quickly, give this Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta a try! You won’t be disappointed.
How to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese?
Making Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta is easy and comes together quickly. All you need is a few simple ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions below:
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Ingredients
- Spiral pasta: This is the pasta used in this recipe. It holds its shape well and has a nice texture when cooked which stands up to the bold flavors in this dish.
- Cooked chicken: Use cooked chicken such as rotisserie or grilled for best results. You can also use canned chicken if you do not have access to cooked chicken.
- Chicken broth: This helps to add flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce.
- Milk or heavy cream: This adds a creamy smoothness to the sauce without adding any cream cheese! You can use either one depending on your taste preferences.
- Buffalo sauce: This is what gives this dish its classic Buffalo chicken flavor. Make sure to use a good-quality sauce for best results.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cooked chicken and chicken broth. Simmer until chicken is heated through and liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk or heavy cream until smooth. Pour into the skillet with the chicken and broth. Stir to combine.
Step 4
Bring mixture to a low boil and continue to cook for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5
Add buffalo sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Tips
-You can adjust the heat level of this dish depending on your preferences. Add more or less buffalo sauce to taste.
-For a non-vegetarian option, add cooked bacon or crumbled chorizo to the skillet when adding the pasta.
-Try serving this dish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for a delicious twist.
-This dish is great served with a side of roasted vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese
Equipment
- large skillet
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 lb spiral pasta
- 1 1/2 cups buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cooked chicken and chicken broth. Simmer until chicken is heated through and liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk or heavy cream until smooth. Pour into the skillet with the chicken and broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a low boil and continue to cook for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add buffalo sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 394 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg | Sodium: 784 mg | Potassium: 475 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 303 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg Calcium 137mg Iron 2mg
What to serve with Chicken Pasta No Cream Cheese?
This Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a great meal for any occasion. For those looking to add some extra nutrition and flavor, serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or salad is an excellent way to round out the meal.
Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower are all delicious options that pair well with the pasta. You could even opt for a green salad with some cucumbers and tomatoes to make it a complete meal.
For those looking to add some extra protein and flavor, adding cooked bacon or crumbled chorizo to the skillet when making the pasta is a great way to do so. Alternatively, you can serve this dish alongside grilled chicken or steak for an even heartier meal.
How to store leftover Chicken Pasta with No Cream Cheese?
Any leftovers of this Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat over low heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Leftover pasta also freezes well for longer storage. Transfer cooled pasta and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy this Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta. However, it is important to note that pregnant women should avoid eating any uncooked or undercooked meats.
To ensure the cooked chicken in this dish is safe to eat, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Pregnant women should also avoid any unpasteurized dairy products, so make sure to use pasteurized milk or heavy cream for this dish.
FAQs
Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan. Simply substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein and use a dairy-free milk or cream alternative in place of the milk or cream for a delicious vegan version.
Is this meal gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Simply use a gluten-free pasta in place of the spiral pasta and you’re all set!
Is this spicy?
The spiciness level of this dish will depend on the type of buffalo sauce used. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a milder sauce or half the amount of hot sauce in this. For those looking for added heat, use a hotter variety or add extra hot sauce to taste.
Wrapping Up
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of Cream Cheese-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This is an easy and flavorful dish that comes together quickly with minimal effort.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or just a delicious meal to enjoy any day of the week!
If you enjoyed this and found it helpful, please share it on social media or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
