One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy weeknight dinners, this One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the recipe for you. Combining the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce with tender chicken and creamy pasta, this dish delivers all the deliciousness of Buffalo chicken wings in a comforting, cheesy pasta format. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender chicken creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—all in one pot, with minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a simple dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go:
Dicing the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Chopping the Onion and Garlic:
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. These aromatics will add depth of flavor to the dish.
Softening the Cream Cheese:
Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature, making it easier to blend into the sauce later.
Cooking the Chicken
The first step in making this dish is cooking the chicken:
Melting the Butter:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Sautéing the Chicken:
Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will continue to cook with the pasta.
Adding the Onion and Garlic:
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Building the Buffalo Sauce Base
Next, you’ll create the flavorful sauce that ties this dish together:
Pouring in the Buffalo Sauce:
Add the Buffalo sauce to the pot, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. The sauce adds a bold, tangy flavor that’s iconic in Buffalo chicken dishes.
Adding the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, which will serve as the cooking liquid for the pasta. The broth not only cooks the pasta but also absorbs all the flavors of the chicken and Buffalo sauce.
Incorporating the Cream Cheese:
Add the softened cream cheese to the pot, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich base.
Cooking the Pasta in One Pot
The beauty of this recipe is that the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors:
Adding the Pasta:
Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. The pasta will cook in the broth and sauce mixture, soaking up all the spicy, cheesy goodness.
Simmering the Dish:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed. The starch from the pasta will thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Finishing Touches
With the pasta cooked and the sauce thickened, it’s time to add the finishing touches:
Stirring in the Cheddar Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Adding Ranch Dressing (Optional):
For extra creaminess and flavor, stir in the ranch dressing. This step is optional but highly recommended if you love the combination of ranch and Buffalo sauce.
Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning:
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Buffalo sauce if needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can also add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:
- Garnish:
Top with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles for a traditional Buffalo chicken flair. - Side Salad:
Serve with a crisp side salad dressed in ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat of the pasta. - Garlic Bread:
Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Variations of One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Option:
Swap out the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish. - Extra Veggies:
Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition and color. - Different Cheeses:
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the dish. - Milder Version:
If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce and add more cream cheese or ranch dressing to mellow the heat.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and made in a single pot, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be easily doubled to feed a larger group or save for leftovers.
Health Considerations
While this dish is indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit healthier:
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta:
Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat to add more fiber to the dish. - Reduce the Cheese:
Cut back on the amount of cheddar cheese to lower the calorie and fat content without sacrificing too much flavor. - Add More Veggies:
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish to boost its nutritional value and make it more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep the pasta creamy.
What Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of Buffalo sauce, you can substitute it with barbecue sauce or another hot sauce of your choice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra liquid to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is This Dish Spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the amount of Buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.
Conclusion
One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is a surefire hit that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you're a fan of bold flavors and easy weeknight dinners, this One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the recipe for you. Combining the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce with tender chicken and creamy pasta, this dish delivers all the deliciousness of Buffalo chicken wings in a comforting, cheesy pasta format. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, equal to 1 lb.
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing, can sub ranch
- 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained, (1 can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb. penne
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1.5 cups cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, optional
Instructions
- Set the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese out ahead of time. We want them near room temperature when we add them to the pasta.
Gently Boil/Shred the Chicken:
- Place chicken in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. (A gentle boil ensures that the chicken doesn’t become tough.) Cook for 15 minutes, until cooked through. Remove and use two forks to shred. Toss with blue cheese dressing and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes to the water to add more flavor to the chicken.
Prepare the Pasta:
- Melt butter in a large high-walled skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Submerge the pasta into the liquid and let it come back up to a boil.
- Cover and let it boil for 10-13 minutes, or until al dente. Refer to box for guidance on cooking time. Don't cook any more than al dente as we will be keeping it over low heat until the sauce is thickened. Lift the lid and run a silicone spatula underneath the pasta a few times throughout cooking to ensure the pasta doesn't stick. Test a pasta noodle for doneness before proceeding.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir. The sauce will seem thin at first, but it continues to thicken as it stands, and will thicken further at the next step.
- Add the shredded chicken and red pepper flakes.
- Optional: Once sauce is near your desired consistency, swirl in 2 Tablespoons COLD butter. This is a technique that chefs use called “Monter au Beurre”, which creates a smooth finish when added to warm sauces.