Pin it A spicy creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken tangy buffalo sauce and melted cheese is perfect for a quick flavorful dinner.
I first tried a version of buffalo chicken pasta when craving something comforting but with a kick. It quickly became a weeknight favorite thanks to how little time and effort it takes for a family-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups (about 250 g) shredded or diced
- Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta uncooked
- Celery: 1 cup (120 g) thinly sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup (60 g) diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Green onions: 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium
- Buffalo wing sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g) softened and cubed
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115 g) shredded
- Blue cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g) crumbled (optional)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large deep skillet over medium heat add a splash of oil and sauté celery red bell pepper and garlic until softened about 3–4 minutes.
- Add pasta and liquids:
- Add the uncooked pasta chicken broth buffalo sauce and milk. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add chicken and cheeses:
- Stir in the cooked chicken cream cheese mozzarella blue cheese (if using) salt pepper and smoked paprika. Mix until cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy about 3 minutes.
- Fold in onions:
- Fold in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired. Serve hot.
Pin it This skillet pasta is a fun dinner that always gets smiles. The buffalo flavor is a hit especially for game nights and everyone loves decorating their own plate with extra green onions.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid wooden spoon or spatula knife and cutting board measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese mozzarella blue cheese milk) and gluten (pasta). Some buffalo sauce brands may include soy so always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 560 calories 23 g total fat 48 g carbohydrates and 38 g protein.
Pin it This skillet pasta is best enjoyed straight from the pan. Leftovers reheat well for lunch and always taste just as delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time, providing tender, flavorful meat ready to be mixed into the skillet.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini hold the sauce nicely and cook evenly in the skillet, making them ideal for this creamy preparation.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
To increase heat, simply add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
- → Is it possible to omit blue cheese?
Yes, omitting blue cheese softens the flavor; substitute with ranch dressing for a milder, creamy finish if preferred.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the skillet?
Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering and make sure the liquid covers the pasta adequately for even cooking.
- → What sides pair well with this skillet dish?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables provide a lighter contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.