Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta dish is so so so good, and it is so quick to whip up. Cook it all in your Instant Pot for a quick dinner, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! The flavors really infuse well together. I love pretty much all that has hot sauce, it is a natural choice to use it in this dish. The hot sauce mixed with the ranch and bacon, really adds so much flavor and dimension to the dish. Change things up and add a new recipe to the mix, this is a family favorite I have been making for years!
Adult Mac And Cheese Recipe
This recipe is similar to what you would call an adult version of mac n cheese that got a major upgrade. You have Instant Pot buffalo chicken pasta shredded chicken, bacon, pasta, lots of cheesy goodness, some heat from the hot sauce, and ranch for a mix of flavors.
Craving more buffalo recipes
Also if you like a little spice you also need to try my Instant Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip Or Even Buffalo Cauliflower It is perfect for game nights, potlucks, and a special treat to break up the week.
Can I Use Pre Shredded Chicken in Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Yes, you can! You would just skip the first steps of cooking the chicken. At times if I have pre-shredded chicken I use that. Otherwise, I cook the chicken frozen, it is a game-changer! No need to thaw your chicken, toss it in frozen.
What Type of Pasta To Use For Buffalo Chicken Pasta
You are welcome to use any medium-sized pasta. Penne, shells, elbow, bow tie, and the list goes on.
We personally like the penne bit feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it is dry pasta, not homemade.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Pot Duo For the Last Step
The last step is to melt the cheese you sprinkle on top with the air frying lid. If you don’t have the Instant Pot Duo with an air fryer, simply skip this step. Or place in a dish and broil in the oven for a minute or two.
It will taste just as good. I love being able to swap my lid and go from pressure cooking to air fryer in a minute.
What To Serve With Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
- Corn, broccoli, green beans, etc
- Crisp green salad
- Bread or dinner rolls
We tend to eat this alone or pair with a salad. Feel free to reach for any of your favorite sides to pair it with.
- Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Pasta Carbonara
- Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
How To Store Leftover Chicken Buffalo Pasta
Store leftover buffalo pasta in the refrigerator for up to three days. Anything after you will want to toss out. Due to the ingredients, this recipe does not thaw well if frozen. It will separate and the pasta can become soggy.
So if you like easy meals, that are hearty and wholesome, and full of delicious goodness, then this is a must try the recipe. Dust off your Instant Pot and get to cooking. Or if you are like me, you don’t allow your Instant Pot to have time to collect dust cause you are always using it!

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta dish is so so so good, and it is so quick to whip up. Cook it all in your Instant Pot for a quick dinner, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! The flavors really infuse well together
Ingredients
- 1 Pound chicken breast
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 16 oz pasta (I used Ziti)
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 4 tbs butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 oz cheddar cheese
- 3 cups water
- 3 pieces of bacon crumbled
Instructions
- Place Butter, Hot Sauce, 1 cup water, and chicken in the instant pot.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 14 minutes.
- Do a quick release.
- Remove chicken only and shred.
- Add dry pasta.
- Add cream cheese and ranch dressing.
- Pour in 2 cups water do not stir.
- Place on manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Do a quick release.
- Stir in half the cheese.
- Remove from instant pot and place in a baking pan.
- Top with remaining cheese and bacon slices.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes just to melt the cheese.
- Or use your crisper lid
- Place on air crips at 400 degrees for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 487Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1141mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 22g
Kristy
Monday 8th of November 2021
I have made this several times, and it always comes out great! I tried the bow ties, and they got mushy and stuck to the bottom of my instapot. We often leave out the bacon. If you add more hot sauce, replace the water so the liquid level is the same.
Craig Brown
Monday 11th of October 2021
In the instructions they forgot to add the chicken back in. It does show it in the video.
Becky
Tuesday 27th of April 2021
Love this recipe, but it had been awhile since I made it. I noticed updates to the recipe that made it easier and quicker to make. I remember thinking 1 c of hot sauce seemed more than in the past and debated using less since my family doesn’t like a lot of spice. I didn’t adjust and boy did it have some kick! Next time I will adjust down to 1/4 c. I noticed a similar comment after the fact that it looks like that changed from before. So I would suggest to use an amount that matches your family’s tolerance for heat.
Debbie
Thursday 21st of January 2021
If I cut this recipe in half, do I still use the same cooking times?
Adventures of a Nurse
Thursday 21st of January 2021
Yes
Elizabeth
Saturday 18th of April 2020
Can someone help figure out why mine come out too watery? I’m new to the instant pot so it was probably user error. I added the 2 cups of water when putting the shredded chicken and pasta into the existing water from initially cooking the chicken. Any and all help appreciated 😊