Pin A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. This recipe delivers both heat and comfort in every bite, making weeknight meals exciting and easy to prepare.
I first made this buffalo chicken pasta skillet on a last-minute weeknight when I wanted something hearty but simple. Its blend of spicy sauce and creamy cheeses quickly became a favorite in my home.
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 Vegetables:
- 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.
- Make Sauce:
- 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).
- Add Green Onions and Season:
- 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.
Pin This dish is now a go-to for family dinners, and even picky eaters ask for seconds when buffalo chicken pasta is on the table.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and gluten. Some buffalo sauces may have traces of soy, so verifying ingredient labels is advised.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 560 calories, 23 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Pin This buffalo chicken pasta skillet is best served hot, straight from the pan. Enjoy with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini pasta hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet, making them ideal choices.
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded or diced cooked chicken breast adds convenience and blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The buffalo wing sauce provides a moderate heat, which you can adjust by adding more sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- → Is it possible to omit the blue cheese?
Absolutely, you can leave out blue cheese or substitute with ranch dressing for a milder, creamier flavor.
- → What ingredients contribute to the creaminess?
Cream cheese, mozzarella, and milk combine to create a rich, smooth, and luscious sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
For best texture, prepare and serve fresh. Leftovers can be reheated gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
