Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Lora Lopez

Posted on October 19, 2025

Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Are you searching for a comforting, creamy, and spicy dish that can be prepared with minimal effort? Look no further than Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. This delightful recipe combines tender shredded chicken with zesty buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that is not only satisfying but bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering, this dish requires only a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! With just a few hours of cooking time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve without the hassle of constant monitoring.

Secondly, this dish is versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the level of heat or adding additional ingredients such as vegetables or different types of cheese. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this recipe can easily cater to your taste buds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or pasta!

Another reason to love this dish is its creamy texture. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream creates a rich sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Each bite is decadent, making it a perfect comfort food. This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

Finally, Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is excellent for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. Store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners, or freeze it for a later date. No more scrambling for dinner ideas at the last minute!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, consider the following benefits:

Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is cooked in one pot, you’ll save time on dishes, making it a win-win for busy families.
Healthier Comfort Food: This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional creamy pasta dishes without sacrificing flavor. The use of lean chicken and a moderate amount of cheese ensures you can indulge without the guilt.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or game day, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy to make in large quantities, so you can feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the creamy, cheesy goodness and the mild heat of the buffalo sauce. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors!
Flexible Ingredients: Don’t have all the exact ingredients? No problem! Substitute with what you have on hand, such as different pasta shapes, or swap out the chicken for cooked shredded beef or pork.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: additional buffalo sauce for serving

Necessary Utensils

To ensure your cooking experience is smooth, gather the following utensils:

Slow cooker
Large pot for cooking pasta
Measuring cups and spoons
Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Colander (for draining pasta)
Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)

Having these items ready will help you prepare Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta effortlessly!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious meal:

Prepare Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This is the base of your dish.
Add Sauces: Pour the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture. It will melt into a creamy sauce as it cooks.
Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients. These spices will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
Shred Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is fully incorporated into the pasta.
Add Cream and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. For extra kick, drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Penne or rotini pasta works best for Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta as they hold the sauce well and provide a delightful texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert in the fridge. Just cook it the next day as directed.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

In summary, Slow Cooker Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments, spread the word about this fantastic recipe, and give it a try for your next meal! For more delicious recipes, check out Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip for another tasty option!