Buffalo Chicken Crockpot Pasta {with Cottage Cheese}

This buffalo chicken crockpot pasta doesn’t skimp on flavor, can be made in just one pan (a crockpot!), and is healthier than your average pasta. It’s only 6-ingredients and so simple to make!

This recipe uses cottage cheese to make a creamy, decadent sauce that is also high in protein (you won’t be able to taste it). It’s a super filling and well-balanced meal that is ideal for a busy mom looking for an easy, delicious crockpot meal. Also, it’s good enough to feed a crowd. 

I love this dish because it combines comfort with nutrition. It has all the flavor and creaminess of a rich, decadent pasta – but its’ super high in protein, iron and calcium. 

Reasons You’ll Want to Make This BUffalo Chicken Pasta

• First off, the taste! If you love a creamy pasta with the flavor of buffalo chicken, you’ll really enjoy this pasta.
• It’s so easy. Minimal prep, and just throw it in the crockpot, need I say more? I even cooked the noodles in there (see directions on how to do this below).
• Healthy and nutritious. Not only is this meal really high in protein, the cottage cheese and shredded cheese are excellent sources of calcium.
• The 48 grams of protein per serving will keep you full and satisfied (not that the average adult needs this amount of protein per meal – but why not).
• 7 super simple steps that are easily customizable to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast (1 lb.)

You’ll need about one pound of chicken breast for this recipe. If using Barilla Protein+ pasta noodles, you could even opt for less chicken and it would still be high in protein. 

Low-Fat, Small Curd Cottage Cheese (1 1/2 Cups)

I find that using low-fat, small curd cottage cheese works just fine but feel free to use a higher fat cottage cheese for more creaminess. If you’re skeptical, I promise you won’t be able to tell it’s cottage cheese. 

If your local grocery store has whipped cottage cheese I would recommend this option, as it will eliminate the use of a blender. Greek yogurt would work well as a high-protein substitute. 

Pro-Tip: I always just whip a carton of cottage cheese all at once and pour it back into the carton to keep in the fridge for future dishes. 

Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce (3/4 Cup)

Just a 3/4 cup of buffalo sauce adds just enough heat to this dish. However, this is where you could get creative and use whatever hot sauce you prefer (and however much you like based on your preferences). 

Barilla Protein+ Rotini Pasta (14 oz. Box)

I love using Barilla Protein+ because of its’ higher protein content, and tastes just the same as regular pasta. However, use whatever kind of noodle you have on hand because even without the protein+ pasta this recipe has an adequate protein content for a satisfying meal. 

Red Bell Pepper (2 Whole Peppers, Diced)

Two chopped red bell peppers make this pasta even more nutritious. They add some color, and complement the dish well. 

Feel free to omit this ingredient, and serve the pasta with a side of veggies of your choice. 

Shredded Cheese (1/2 Cup)

I used only about a 1/2 cup of a mixed blend shredded cheese, and found this to be enough since the pasta is already so creamy. It also decreases the spiciness of this dish just a bit. 

Bleu cheese could be a fun addition here, if you like that flavor profile! 

Green Onions, For Garnish!

Nutritional Information

Since I am a dietitian and all, I have to discuss the nutritional information for this dish. Using an entire box of pasta, this recipe can feed six people (with pretty large bowls of pasta). 

Each serving is about 550 calories, and 44 grams of protein! That is a lot of protein for one meal, and will likely keep you full for the rest of the night. It’s also high in iron and calcium. 

If you’re looking to make this recipe less calories, use a half or 3/4 box of pasta. You could also use less chicken. 

For vegetarians or those looking to eat less meat, this sauce could be used on the Barilla Protein+ noodles and the chicken could be eliminated entirely (and it would still provide a lot of protein). 

Buffalo Chicken Crockpot Pasta Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a crockpot, blender (unless your cottage cheese is already whipped), and an electric hand mixer unless you are using two forks to shred the chicken. 

Dice red peppers into bite-sized pieces, and chop green onions. Set aside. 

2. Season Chicken in Crockpot

Lay your chicken breasts in the crockpot, and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. 

3. Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Whip about 1 1/2 cups of cottage cheese and 3/4 cup of Buffalo sauce of your choice in a blender. If using already whipped cottage cheese, add the ingredients to a bowl and mix together.

4. Pour Red Peppers and Cream Sauce Into Crockpot

Put the chicken in the crockpot with the red peppers, then pour the creamy sauce over the top. 

Cook on low for at least 4 hours, or until the chicken can be easily shredded with a mixer or fork. I do not recommend cooking this recipe on high as cottage cheese can curdle at high temperatures.

5. Shred the Chicken

After cooking on low for at least 4 hours, shred the chicken with a hand mixer or two forks. 

6. Add the Pasta

Add the noodles to the crockpot, and cook on low for 30 minutes or high for 15 minutes. Do not cook on high any longer than this- as the cottage cheese could curdle.

Another option is to cook the noodles separately, add combine them with the shredded chicken and sauce. 

7. Taste and Garnish

If the dish seems too dry, add a bit more water or chicken broth. 

Plate into bowls, garnish with the green onions, and enjoy! It’s that simple!

Recipe Tips

• Cook on low to ensure the cottage cheese doesn’t curdle.
• Use Greek yogurt for an easy substitute that’s also high in protein and calcium.
• Add a little water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce, if you think it’s too thick. Add even more cheese to thicken it up.
• Omit the chicken for an easy, high protein vegetarian meal.

An Easy, Simple and Well-Balanced Meal

This buffalo chicken crockpot pasta recipe ticks a lot of boxes for me. It’s filling, packed with protein, and best of all – super easy! 

I love a good cottage cheese swap, like this butternut squash cottage cheese pasta recipe.

If you tried this recipe, let me know what you think!