If you love bold, tangy flavors combined with creamy comfort, then you are in for a real treat with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta in a single pot, making dinner both scrumptious and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish delivers mouthwatering taste and a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, all without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential for creating the delicious flavors and creamy texture that make this recipe shine. Each one plays a key role, from the tender chicken to the spicy buffalo sauce and the luscious blend of cheeses that coat every bite perfectly.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon for sautéing the chicken and locking in moisture and flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces, the star protein that soaks up all the buffalo goodness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the subtle flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick of warmth to the chicken.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic depth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Creates a savory backbone that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a slight smoky hint, elevating the flavor profile.
- Buffalo wing sauce (¼ cup): The bold, spicy heart of this recipe that delivers the classic buffalo heat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Keeps the pasta moist while adding mild savory notes.
- Uncooked penne pasta (8 ounces): Cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Adds sharpness and richness for that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Balances the spicy buffalo sauce with cool, herby flavors.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Freshly sliced for a bright, mild bite as a garnish.
- Optional blue cheese crumbles: For topping, adding tangy creaminess if you love that classic buffalo touch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside. This step ensures that the chicken is tender and infused with the vibrant spices that define this dish.
Step 2: Add Buffalo Sauce and Broth
Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth to the skillet, then bring everything to a boil. This combination turns into a flavorful base that will cook the pasta while ensuring every bite is infused with that signature buffalo kick.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce without sticking to the bottom. When it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you know it’s time for the next delicious step.
Step 4: Stir in Creamy Cheeses and Ranch
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts effortlessly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture. Next, add shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, mixing until everything is creamy, smooth, and perfectly blended. This concoction brings the dish together with the right balance of tangy, spicy, and cheesy indulgence.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle sliced green onions generously atop your pasta. If you love that classic buffalo flavor profile, don’t hesitate to toss on some blue cheese crumbles. They offer a tangy creaminess that perfectly harmonizes with the spicy sauce, enhancing every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is hearty and filling, but pairing it with crisp celery sticks or a fresh garden salad provides a refreshing contrast. A simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables also complements the spice with a subtle sweetness and crunch, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins or shallow bowls topped with extra cheese and baked under the broiler until golden and bubbly. You can also dish it out stuffed inside bell peppers or over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, yet satisfying version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry even more over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
While this one pot meal freezes well, it’s best to freeze before adding the ranch dressing and fresh garnishes. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the pasta seems too thick. Stir frequently until warmed through to maintain that creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave reheating on medium power with brief intervals works well too; just stir in between.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply add the shredded chicken later in the process to avoid overcooking—it will reduce the initial cooking time significantly.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Yes, if you prefer more heat, simply add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you stir in the sauce and broth. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for a fiery kick.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While penne works perfectly, you can swap in rotini, farfalle, or any other pasta you have on hand. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure it’s al dente.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety instead of regular penne. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a crowd?
Definitely. Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe holds up well for gatherings. Prepare it ahead, store properly, and reheat just before serving for a stress-free party dish.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe is truly a game changer when it comes to quick, flavorful, and fuss-free dinners. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the heavy cleanup. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how incredible comfort food can come together in just one pot. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your go-to recipes, especially when you’re craving that delicious spicy, cheesy combo!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and spicy buffalo wing sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting American dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. The recipe offers an option for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Buffalo Sauce and Pasta
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Cheese and Creamy Elements
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional blue cheese crumbles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add buffalo sauce and broth: Stir in the buffalo wing sauce and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the boiling mixture. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and blends smoothly with the sauce. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Continue stirring until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with sliced green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time—just reduce the initial cooking step accordingly since the chicken is already cooked.
- For a spicier kick, add additional buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety.
