Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish); Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)

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If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy your favorite buffalo chicken flavors in the form of the ultimate weeknight comfort food, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is about to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Imagine delightfully tender pasta, juicy bites of chicken, and a creamy, tangy sauce with just the right kick – all perfectly blended in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just yourself after a long day, this dish goes from pantry to table in just about 30 minutes, and trust me, you’ll want to make extra!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but so satisfying, thanks to a handful of staple ingredients that each play an important role. Every component adds something special: think savory chicken, creamy cheeses, and the bold punch of buffalo sauce offset by a hint of fresh garnish. Here’s exactly what you need (and why!):

Olive oil: Gives the chicken an irresistible sear and keeps everything from sticking to the pot.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces cook up quickly and soak in all that buffalo flavor.
Garlic (minced): Brings bright, aromatic depth to the sauce.
Onion powder: Adds a mellow, savory background note.
Paprika: Lends a gentle warmth and beautiful color to your dish.
Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Ensures the sauce is rich but not too salty.
Buffalo wing sauce: Delivers that zesty, tangy heat Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is all about.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously silky and balances the spice.
Penne pasta (uncooked): Cooks right in the sauce so it soaks up every drop of flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, classic bite and creamy meltiness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretch, making this pasta ultra comforting.
Chopped green onions or parsley: Fresh garnish to brighten up the final dish.
Blue cheese crumbles (optional): An extra punch of tang for blue cheese lovers – sprinkle on just before serving!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, then sprinkle in the garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken sauté until it’s just browned and almost cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. You want golden edges to develop for gorgeous flavor – don’t rush this part!

Step 2: Build the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Once the chicken is seared, pour in the chicken broth, buffalo wing sauce, and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is coated and the flavors meld together. This is where the magic of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! really starts to happen, with that sauce getting all creamy, spicy, and tangy at once.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add your uncooked penne pasta straight into the pot – no separate boiling required! Stir it well so every piece gets some saucy love, then bring the mixture up to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick and everything cooks evenly. You’re looking for the pasta to be tender and the most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy and Creamy

Once the pasta is ready, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce, turning it decadently rich and creamy. If the sauce looks a bit thick, you can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Turn off the heat and let everything sit for about 5 minutes – this lets the sauce thicken perfectly and the flavors settle in.

Step 5: Add Garnish and Serve

Spoon your piping hot Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! into bowls, then finish with a scattering of fresh green onions or parsley. If you’re feeling extra, go ahead and sprinkle over some blue cheese crumbles for a signature touch. Now, dig in and prepare for cheesy, spicy comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Garnishes

This dish already has fantastic flavors, but a handful of fresh garnishes truly takes it to restaurant level. Chopped green onions or parsley add a crisp freshness and pop of color, while blue cheese crumbles lend punchy tang and creamy contrast to that spicy buffalo sauce. You can even drizzle on a little ranch or blue cheese dressing just before serving for extra flair (and creaminess!) if you like.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is so bold and satisfying, all you really need to round out the meal is a simple salad with crisp greens and maybe some celery sticks for a nod to the classic buffalo pairing. Warm, crusty bread is also a fantastic partner for sopping up any extra sauce, or serve with roasted broccoli or green beans to add even more color and crunch to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, this pasta shines beautifully in a big serving bowl, sprinkled generously with green onions and blue cheese. For a fun twist, you can serve in individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls, then broil for a minute for a cheesy, golden top. Or try topping a scoop of the pasta with a few more pieces of cooked chicken and a zigzag of buffalo sauce for dramatic effect. However you serve it, Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is ready to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! keeps surprisingly well, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors seem to meld and deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch a real treat.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this pasta! Scoop portions into freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags. For best texture, use within 2 months. Just be aware that the creamy sauce might separate slightly when thawing, but a good stir as you reheat will bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave on medium power, stirring every minute or so, until hot all the way through. If you’re warming it on the stovetop, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Sprinkle on fresh garnishes just before serving to bring the leftovers back to life—the flavors of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! are just as delicious the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Shred or chop your rotisserie chicken and add it after simmering the pasta—just long enough to warm through. This shortcut makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! even faster without sacrificing any flavor.

What’s the best kind of buffalo sauce for this recipe?

Use your favorite bottled buffalo wing sauce—Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but milder or hotter varieties work just as well. Adjust the quantity to suit your preferred heat level, and don’t hesitate to mix and match for a custom kick.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

You bet! Swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as gluten-free pasta can vary—stir gently to keep it from breaking apart.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No heavy cream? Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, or try full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The sauce will be a little less rich, but still plenty creamy and flavorful.

Can kids eat Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!?

If your kids are sensitive to spice, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or use half buffalo sauce and half tomato sauce. You can also let everyone add extra hot sauce to their own bowl, keeping the base family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that delivers serious comfort with a little kick—and very little cleanup—you truly can’t beat Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! It’s cheesy, bold, just spicy enough, and just a joy to share. I hope you dive in and make it your new go-to favorite. Enjoy every saucy, satisfying bite!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious and creamy one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, buffalo sauce, and gooey cheeses for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests!

Ingredients

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For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Add the chicken, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through.
Prepare the Pasta: Stir in chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Add uncooked pasta and simmer until tender. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until creamy.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or parsley and blue cheese crumbles.