You need dinner. You need it fast. But you also need it to be amazing.
Sound familiar? I get it. My kitchen is a high-speed zone, too. That’s why I’m obsessed with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad 30 Minute Meals recipe. If you love quick chicken dinners, you have to try this 30-Minute Creamy Ranch Chicken next.
It’s your favorite game day flavors in a no-fuss, fork-ready meal. Spicy, creamy, crunchy, and done before you can say “takeout.” Let’s save your weeknight.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: 30 Minute Meal, Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ultimate Guide to Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad 30 Minute Meals
This isn’t just another pasta salad. This is your new secret weapon.
We’re talking maximum flavor payoff for minimal effort. You get that classic spicy chicken kick, the cool blue cheese tang, and that essential celery crunch.
All tossed with pasta to make it a real meal. It’s fast, it’s filling, and it’s seriously fun to eat. This guide cuts out all the fluff and gets you straight to the good stuff.
The Simple Ingredients
I bet you have half of this already. That’s the beauty of it. This list is short, sweet, and packed with flavor power.
- 12 oz short pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 2/3 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? Set. Go! We’re doing three things at once to hit that 30-minute mark. It’s easier than it sounds.
- Boil your pasta. Cook it in salted water according to the package directions for al dente. This is your main timer.
- Cook the chicken. While the pasta boils, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred.
- Make the magic sauce. In a large bowl, whisk the hot sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. This creamy, spicy dressing is everything.
- Combine it all. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat while the pasta is still warm—it soaks up the flavor better.
- Finish and serve. Fold in the chopped chicken, blue cheese, celery, and green onions. Give it one final gentle mix. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. You’re done!
What to Serve With This Dish
This salad is a full meal in a bowl. But if you want to round it out, keep it quick. For another hearty, one-bowl meal, this 30-Minute Chicken Taco Soup is a family favorite.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad 30 Minute Meals Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad 30 Minute Meals Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Grab some carrot sticks and ranch dip for extra crunch. A bag of kettle chips on the side is perfect.
For a lighter touch, a simple bag of pre-washed greens with a vinaigrette works great. No extra cooking required.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Make it work for you! Here are my favorite easy swaps.
Not a blue cheese fan? Use sharp cheddar crumbles or even feta. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Short on time? Use a rotisserie chicken from the store. Just shred it and toss it in. Game day food just got easier.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This salad stores like a dream. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle. Give it a quick stir before serving again.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~520
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
*This is an estimate per serving. Values will vary based on your specific ingredients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Just wait to add the celery until you’re ready to serve to keep that perfect crunch.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No problem. Plain Greek yogurt is my go-to swap. It adds the same creamy tang and a protein boost.
How can I make it less spicy?
Easy. Use a milder hot sauce or start with 1/3 cup and add more to taste. You can also add a bit more mayo or sour cream to cool it down.
See? I told you we could do it. A crazy-delicious dinner that doesn’t steal your whole evening. If you’re craving something with seafood and a kick, this Spicy Buffalo Shrimp Scampi is another fantastic 30-minute dinner.
You’ve got the spicy chicken, the blue cheese, the celery crunch—all without the fuss. Now you have your night back. Go enjoy it!
Did this recipe save your busy night? Let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment and rating below!
