Save A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
I first made this buffalo chicken pasta on a chilly weeknight and loved how it combined my favorite wings-inspired flavors with a creamy, comforting pasta—my family couldn&t get enough!
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups (about 250 g), shredded or diced
- Penne or rotini pasta: 8 oz (225 g), uncooked
- Celery: 1 cup (120 g), thinly sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup (60 g), diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Green onions: 1/4 cup (25 g), sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Buffalo wing sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), softened and cubed
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115 g), shredded
- Blue cheese (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g), crumbled
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Sauté veggies:
- In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté celery, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3&,4 minutes.
- Add liquids and pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and milk. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10&,12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheeses and chicken:
- Stir in the cooked chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy about 3 minutes.
- Finish and garnish:
- Fold in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce, if desired. Serve hot.
Save This one-pan dinner sparked a laugh when my kids realized it tasted like their favorite wings night—without the mess! It&s become a go-to comfort meal we all crave.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed broccoli to balance the richness and spice.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute the blue cheese with ranch dressing for a milder flavor, or swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Save This skillet brings bold buffalo flavor to pasta night in a way everyone loves. Enjoy creamy, cheesy comfort with just enough kick!
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal as their shape holds the sauce well, enhancing every bite.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne to increase heat, or omit blue cheese for milder flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken beforehand and refrigerate all ingredients separately before combining and reheating.
- → How do I avoid the pasta becoming mushy?
Simmer pasta just until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and avoid overcooking during cheese melting.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for blue cheese?
Yes, you may omit blue cheese or replace it with ranch dressing for a milder, creamy alternative.