Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. With its rich buffalo sauce and cheesy goodness, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be made with fresh, rotisserie, or leftover chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it with different types of pasta or substitute proteins like rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Family Friendly: Everyone will love the creamy texture and spicy kick that makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything at hand makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook all ingredients at once efficiently.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken.
- Knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts for even cooking of your ingredients.
Ingredients
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is easy to make in a skillet with a delicious cream sauce and your choice of pasta. Use fresh, rotisserie, or leftover chicken!
Protein
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (equal to 1 lb.)
Sauce and Creaminess
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (can sub ranch)
- 2 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened and cubed)
Vegetables
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 stick celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained, (1 can))
Broth and Pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb. penne
Flavor Enhancers
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1.5 cups cheddar (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Stir in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil before adding the penne pasta.
- Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in buffalo sauce.
- Add the softened cream cheese gradually while stirring until fully melted.
- Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until creamy.
Step 5: Serve
- Season with optional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or green onions if you like!
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your dining experience, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Casual Family Dinner
- Serve the pasta warm right from the skillet for a cozy family meal. Pair with garlic bread for a comforting touch.
Game Day Snack
- Offer the pasta in smaller portions as a game day snack. It pairs perfectly with celery sticks and extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Potluck Delight
- Bring Buffalo Chicken Pasta to your next potluck. It’s an easy dish to share and will surely be a hit among guests.
Meal Prep Option
- Divide the pasta into meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Add fresh veggies on the side for balance.
With Fresh Salad
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad. The crisp greens will complement the creamy texture of the pasta nicely.
How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To make the best Buffalo Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips that will ensure delicious results every time.
- Use rotisserie chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor without extra cooking.
- Adjust spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder version.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Stir continuously: When adding cheese, stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a creamy texture.
- Experiment with cheeses: Mix different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or gouda for smokiness.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps thicken the sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Buffalo Chicken Pasta can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent choices:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with any pasta dish; perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce combined with creamy dressing complements the rich flavors of the pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds nutritional value and color while providing a nice crunch against the creamy pasta.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tangy flavor of coleslaw balance out the richness of Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and flavor; try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a delightful contrast and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure a delicious dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold cheese: Cold cheese does not melt well into the pasta. Set cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella out ahead of time to reach room temperature.
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Cook it according to package instructions until al dente for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your dish can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Skipping the broth: Using only water instead of broth will result in less flavor. Always use chicken broth for a rich taste in your buffalo chicken pasta.
- Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can cause the sauce to be too runny. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows for better consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor. Just shred it and mix it into the pasta.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal due to its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce, but you can also use bowtie or fusilli.
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can choose mild or hot sauce based on your preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is Buffalo Chicken Pasta kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Adjust the spice level by using mild buffalo sauce, making it more appealing for children.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to gatherings. Its creamy sauce combined with tender chicken makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding veggies or adjusting spice levels based on your taste preferences!
One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful one-pot dish that combines the zesty flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses and tender chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers an explosion of flavor in just 35 minutes. With its rich sauce clinging to penne pasta and a touch of spice, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you use fresh chicken, rotisserie, or leftovers, this comforting meal is versatile and customizable. Serve it warm straight from the skillet for an easy dinner or portion it out for meal prep. Enjoy the delicious balance of heat and creaminess that makes this dish irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing or ranch
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced onion
- Diced celery
- Minced garlic
Instructions
- Dice the chicken and cook in a skillet over medium heat with butter until no longer pink.
- Add remaining butter, diced onion, celery, and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil before adding penne.
- Cover and simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat; stir in buffalo sauce and cream cheese until melted. Add shredded cheeses until creamy.
- Serve hot with optional seasonings like red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
