One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese in a hearty pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stalk 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 cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the onions, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything until well combined.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Serve hot for a delicious, spicy pasta dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with a mild hot sauce or less quantity.
- Use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing if preferred.
- Add chopped green onions or parsley on top for extra freshness and color.
- Try substituting penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or shells.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. Frozen chicken may release excess water and affect the texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or a soft goat cheese as an alternative, but cream cheese gives the best creamy texture that balances the spice.
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One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, spicy, and cheesy, this One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, classic buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting, flavorful meal all cooked in a single pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a harmonious mix of textures and bold flavors inspired by buffalo wing sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 stick (2 tablespoons) butter, divided
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it is no longer pink in the center, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything until well combined and the cream cheese begins to melt into the sauce.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheeses: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Notes
- Use blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing depending on your preference for either a sharper or milder flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on desired spice level.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with milk or half-and-half.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and thickens, add a splash of chicken broth while simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, one pot pasta recipes, creamy buffalo chicken, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta skillet
