One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for any occasion. The creamy buffalo sauce combined with tender chicken and hearty pasta creates a comforting dish the whole family will love. It’s quick to prepare and uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, then sauté the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is incorporated.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Substitute blue cheese dressing with ranch for a milder taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Swap penne pasta with rotini or fusilli for a different texture.
- Use reduced-fat cheeses to lighten the dish while keeping creaminess.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it thoroughly before serving. However, the pasta may absorb some sauce, so consider adding extra broth or water when reheating.
What can I use if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can mix hot sauce with melted butter as a substitute, or use a store-bought wing sauce with similar flavor.
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One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and a zesty buffalo cheese sauce. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. The blend of buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a rich and irresistible sauce that marries perfectly with the juicy chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
For the Sauce and Pasta
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained, 1 can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink in the center, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty side, then add the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything until the cream cheese is well incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Cheeses: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for extra heat and 2 tablespoons of cold butter to enrich the sauce. Mix well before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- If sauce is too thick after cooking, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice spicy kick.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, one pot pasta, creamy pasta, buffalo sauce recipe, chicken dinner, easy weeknight meal
