Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy comfort dish that comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup. Packed with bold buffalo flavor, tender chicken, and hearty pasta, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for spice lovers and busy families alike. This dish brings the classic buffalo wing experience to your dinner table in a rich and satisfying way.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastspasta (penne or rotini work well)buffalo wing saucesour creamcream cheesecheddar cheesemozzarella cheeseoniongarlicchicken brotholive oilsaltblack peppergreen onions (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.

Pour in buffalo sauce and chicken broth, then stir in uncooked pasta.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until melted and combined.

Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.

Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

Add diced celery or carrots for extra texture and buffalo-style authenticity.

Use ranch or blue cheese dressing in place of sour cream for a flavor twist.

Swap cheddar for pepper jack to boost the heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce potentially separating.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or shells will work.

Is it very spicy?

It has a medium heat level, but you can adjust the spice by using less buffalo sauce or adding extra cream cheese.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep—just store and reheat as directed.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely, just add it when you add the sauce and pasta to avoid overcooking.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli would pair well and add nutrition.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and cheese, and use a dairy-free buffalo sauce.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Use your favorite brand, like Frank’s RedHot, for the best flavor balance.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based chicken or extra vegetables instead of meat.

Is this kid-friendly?

If they can handle mild spice, yes—but you can tone it down for sensitive palates.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough to handle the volume.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot is a crave-worthy dish that delivers big flavor with minimal mess. With creamy cheese, spicy buffalo kick, and hearty pasta all cooked in one pot, it’s a dinner win for any night of the week. Give it a try and enjoy a bold twist on comfort food that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder made with tender chicken, pasta, and a tangy buffalo sauce. It’s a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
  6. Garnish with green onions and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired before serving.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
  • Add celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 960mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

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