Elevate your pasta salad game with this bold and zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, a crowd-pleasing combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors perfect for any occasion! Tender penne pasta is tossed with juicy, skillet-cooked chicken breast, crunchy celery, shredded carrots, and green onions, all drenched in a luscious blend of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese takes this salad to irresistible new heights, while a quick chill in the fridge ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, game day party, or as a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe is an easy, flavor-packed winner. Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions or cheese for a perfect finishing touch! Keywords: Buffalo chicken pasta salad, game day recipes, spicy pasta salad, creamy buffalo sauce, quick pasta salad recipes.
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Bring 8 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large pot.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and shred the large carrot, dice the celery stalks, and slice the green onions. Set the veggies aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, shredded carrot, diced celery, and sliced green onions.
Pour in 1 cup of buffalo sauce and 1 cup of ranch dressing. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the salad and gently toss to combine.
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled, garnished with additional green onions or cheddar cheese if desired.
Serving size | (3387.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3099.6 |
Total Fat 157.3g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 41.3g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g | |
Cholesterol 458.3mg | 0% |
Sodium 13636.9mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 275.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 18.7g | 0% |
Total Sugars 13.3g | |
Protein 167.9g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 1249.1mg | 0% |
Iron 17.8mg | 0% |
Potassium 2355.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories