Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Description
Air fryer buffalo chicken pasta made with frozen chicken tenders, penne, cream cheese and Trader Joe's buffalo dip. A creamy, spicy 5-ingredient dinner ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta, about 2 cups
- 5 frozen chicken tenders
- 4 ounces cream cheese, half of an 8-ounce block
- 1/2 cup vegan buffalo dip, Trader Joe's
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne to al dente following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm the buffalo dip in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 to 60 seconds, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, toss the pasta, chicken and buffalo cream sauce until evenly coated.
- Top with fresh parsley and serve.
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Large pot, for boiling the pasta
- Colander
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, for the sauce
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs, for flipping the tenders
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment paper (optional)
Notes
- Raw frozen tenders need to reach 165°F inside. Most frozen breaded tenders are pre-cooked.
- Any store-bought buffalo dip works in place of Trader Joe's.
- Loosen leftover sauce with a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 13gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 325mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 380IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 1mg