Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Serves: 9 (Serving size: 1 cup) | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min



Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

Ingredients

  • 10 oz canned chicken, drained *reserve liquid* (if you're not a fan of canned chicken, see another option below)
  • 1 box elbow macaroni pasta (16 oz)
  • 2 blocks (8 oz each) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (made from: ½ cup low-fat mayo, ½ cup regular mayo, 1 cup fat-free milk, 2 tbsp Hidden Valley ranch seasoning — you will have extra)
  • 2 tsp Kinder’s Woodfired Garlic seasoning, plus more for sprinkling
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s buffalo sauce


Instructions

  1. Start the sauce
    • Drain the liquid from the canned chicken into a large saucepan (set chicken aside for later).
    • Add cubed cream cheese and buffalo sauce to the pan. Whisk over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy.
  2. Season the sauce
    • Stir in the Kinder’s Woodfired Garlic seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
    • Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook the pasta
    • While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Strain.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce
    • Stir the canned chicken into the sauce and let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
    • Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Finish & serve
    • Sprinkle additional Kinder’s Woodfired Garlic seasoning on top to your own taste.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

I like to portion the pasta into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers to enjoy throughout the week at work. I add a hearty side of roasted broccoli. Click here for a link to the freezer and microwave-safe reusable containers.






Optional Add-Ons & Variations

  • Crumbled blue cheese for extra tang.
  • Chopped green onions for a fresh bite.
  • More chicken for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
  • If you're not a fan of canned chicken, substitute it with another option, such as rotisserie chicken, and use 1/2 cup of Chicken broth to replace the liquid from the canned chicken

 

Nutrition Facts *
*Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used. (Broccoli not included in nutrition facts.)


Per 1 cup serving (serves 9)

  • Calories: 440 kcal
  • Protein: 15.5 g
  • Total Fat: 20 g
    • Saturated Fat: ~10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
    • Sugars: ~8 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Sodium: ~600 mg

Click here for a printable version of this recipe!


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