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
Scale
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.
