This Easy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy and zesty dish that brings together chicken, pasta, and spicy buffalo sauce all in one pot. Less cleanup, more yum!
Who doesn’t love buffalo chicken? I mean, it’s like a party on your plate! Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means more time for Netflix and less time in the kitchen.
This recipe is my go-to for quick dinners. Just throw everything in, let it simmer, and you’re ready to eat! I like to add some extra cheese on top for that gooey goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken breasts for this recipe, but chicken thighs are great too! They’re juicier and add more flavor. If you have leftover cooked chicken, just toss that in at the end.
Pasta: Penne is perfect for this dish, but you can swap it for any short pasta like rotini or fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The heat level is adjustable! If you prefer a milder dish, use less sauce or opt for a mild wing sauce. You can also make it homemade using hot sauce and melted butter.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dish a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for a similar result.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added kick. Just ensure it melts well.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken to the right point is key to this recipe. Start in a hot skillet to get that nice sear, but make sure to take it out when it’s just cooked—4-5 minutes should do. It’ll finish cooking when you add it back in with the pasta.
- Heat oil before adding your chicken pieces for that nice brown color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Season well before removing from the pan for better flavor.
How Can I Make the Sauce Creamy?
The key to that creamy texture is melting in the cream cheese after cooking the pasta. Stir it in after the pasta is tender to blend everything together smoothly. If the sauce seems thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more milk or broth to adjust the consistency!
Easy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned with juice or fresh)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation, and then about 15-20 minutes for cooking everything together in one pot. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until it’s no longer pink on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Add the Pasta and Liquids:
In the same pot, toss in the uncooked penne pasta. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, buffalo wing sauce, and the diced tomatoes with their juices. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 12-15 minutes.
4. Mix in the Cheeses and Chicken:
When the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Now add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted, and everything is blended into a creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, simply add a splash of milk or more broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if you want extra heat. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Enjoy your hot and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta! It’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.
FAQ for Easy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta works great, you can substitute it with other short pasta like rotini or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require slight adjustments.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love spice, feel free to add more buffalo wing sauce to the recipe. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy cheese blend to kick it up a notch!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
