One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and classic buffalo flavors all in one pot. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
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. Cook the diced chicken until no longer pink.
- Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. 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 cream cheese until everything is well combined.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Step 5: Mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing and adjust the buffalo sauce to taste.
- Add chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking the chicken.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Add it in step 3 with the other ingredients.
Is this dish really spicy?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the spice by using less sauce or choosing a milder brand.
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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 combines tender chicken breast with classic buffalo sauce and creamy cheeses for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. Cooked entirely in one pot, it delivers a spicy and cheesy pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pantry Staples
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it is no longer pink inside, ensuring it’s fully cooked through for a tender, juicy texture.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the diced yellow onions, celery, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, which will build the flavor base of the dish.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese until everything is well combined and the cream cheese begins to melt, creating a creamy sauce.
- Simmer the pasta: 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 some of the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate cheeses: Remove the lid and mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy, coating the pasta and chicken beautifully. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer sauce or a lighter version to reduce calories.
- For a more intense buffalo flavor, add extra buffalo sauce as a topping when serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated 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, creamy buffalo pasta, easy dinner recipe, spicy chicken pasta
