This pasta salad is a spicy and cheesy treat! With tender chicken, a kick of buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, it brings lots of flavor to your plate.
It’s perfect for potlucks or a fun family dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese and pasta together? I know I can’t resist sneaking extra helpings! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta’s spiral shape holds onto the sauce and ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to swap it with fusilli, macaroni, or even penne. Just use a short pasta for the best texture!
Cooked Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes things easy and tasty. If you’re looking for a leaner option, grilled chicken breast is great too. You could also use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses add that melty goodness! If you’re looking for a different flavor, try pepper jack for some extra heat or mozzarella alone for a lighter taste. Don’t have cheese? You can skip it or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of this recipe! Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If it’s too spicy for you, engage a milder hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a twist.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch adds a creamy, tangy flavor. If you’re not a ranch fan, use blue cheese dressing instead. Another option could be homemade yogurt for a lighter dressing.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salads?
Cooking pasta properly is essential for a great salad. You want it al dente, which means it’ll be slightly firm when you bite into it.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until instructed on the package, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for your salad.
- Give it a good shake to remove excess water before mixing with other ingredients.
Perfectly cooked pasta helps keep your salad fresh and not mushy!
Best Ever Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely sliced celery
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for more tang)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour in the fridge to chill and let the flavors meld together. Perfect for making ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to drain well.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, shredded carrots, and sliced celery. Gently toss everything together until evenly mixed.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth. This dressing is what gives the salad its wonderful flavor!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
5. Season and Chill:
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Once seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is key to letting those flavors blend beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give the pasta salad a good mix before serving. Enjoy it cold as a refreshing side dish or as a main meal. Get ready to dive into this cheesy, spicy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. It saves time and adds great flavor to the salad!
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute it with a different hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a milder flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, you can add a little extra dressing before serving again.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad is great for making ahead. Just prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance, and store it covered in the fridge for the flavors to meld. Just remember to stir it before serving!
