Dinner

One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

ByElla Hart May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Introduction

This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty buffalo sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner, it combines bold flavors in a simple, comforting dish the whole family will love.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with baked penne pasta covered in melted, creamy orange cheese sauce. The pasta is mixed with pieces of cooked chicken, all coated with the cheese. Some green herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding small spots of color. The texture of the cheese looks smooth and gooey, while the chicken pieces appear tender and slightly browned. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Step 5: Mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for a quicker version.
Substitute blue cheese dressing with ranch for a milder flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Swap penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta mixed with small pieces of grilled chicken. The pasta is coated in a creamy orange-colored sauce, topped with melted cheese that is slightly browned in places, and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The texture of the sauce looks smooth and creamy, while the chicken pieces are tender and slightly browned. The dish is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it slowly with a bit of extra liquid to restore the creamy texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and shredded cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free dressing. The sauce and texture will be different but still tasty.