Get ready for a meal that will light up your dinner table! Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is a comforting, flavor-packed twist on everyone’s favorite spicy party food, but in crave-able, cheesy pasta form with zero fuss. You get tender bites of shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, nestled with creamy cheeses, all mingling in a single skillet. It’s bold, saucy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish looks impressive, but it’s actually wonderfully approachable and uses staples you may already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building the rich taste, creamy texture, and signature kick that makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! so irresistible.

Chicken breast: Use a large, boneless, skinless chicken breast for juicy bites that soak up all the spicy flavors.
Blue cheese dressing: Adds creamy tang and classic Buffalo flavor, but feel free to swap in ranch if preferred.
Butter: Divided between cooking the veggies and giving the sauce a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
Yellow onion: Diced fine for a mellow, savory base.
Celery: Delivers crunch and fresh, peppery flavor, reminiscent of traditional Buffalo wings.
Garlic: Adds depth and irresistible aroma – it’s a must in cheesy pasta dishes.
Diced tomatoes: Use a 14.5 oz can with liquid for brightness and sauciness.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid for the pasta and foundation for a super-flavorful sauce.
Penne: One pound of this sturdy pasta holds onto the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly.
Buffalo sauce: Brings the heat and the instantly recognizable zesty kick.
Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, it melts right in to make the sauce dreamy and smooth.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded, for sharpness and that gooey cheddar melt.
Mozzarella cheese: More shredded cheese for stretchy, creamy goodness.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds fire for heat seekers!
Cold butter: Optional, stirred in at the end to make the sauce extra silky and luscious.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Step 1: Gently Boil and Shred the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breast in a pot of water. Bring it up to a gentle boil—this slow, mellow process keeps the chicken juicy, never rubbery! After about 15 minutes, the chicken should be fully cooked through. Take it out, let it cool slightly, then shred with two forks. For ultimate Buffalo flavor, toss the warm, shredded chicken with tangy blue cheese (or ranch) dressing and set it aside while you tackle the rest. Pro tip: Drop 1 or 2 bouillon cubes in the water for extra savory goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven, melt half of your butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, letting it sizzle just until aromatic (about 1 minute). These basics lay the flavor foundation for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Step 3: Cook Pasta Directly in the Sauce

Pour in your undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring that mixture to a gentle boil. Add in the uncooked penne, making sure each noodle is nicely submerged. Once it’s bubbling, cover your skillet and let the pasta cook for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring a couple times so nothing sticks. When the pasta is just al dente, you’re ready for the next delicious step.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Buffalo Sauce

Now the real magic begins! Lower the heat and stir in buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. At first the sauce will look thin and the cheeses might seem stubborn, but just keep stirring gently—as everything warms up, it transforms into a bubbling, creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. If you want an extra touch of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Butter

Add your previously prepared shredded chicken to the cheesy, spicy pasta. At this point, the sauce will be silky and rich, thickening as it sits. For a luxurious finish, swirl in those last two tablespoons of cold butter just before serving; it melts in and gives your Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! that dreamy, glossy sheen you find at your favorite restaurant.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Garnishes

Once you ladle out generous portions, top each bowl with sliced green onions, extra blue cheese crumbles, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. These bits add pop and authenticity, making your Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! look as impressive as it tastes.

Side Dishes

A crisp, cool salad or classic celery and carrot sticks are perfect to balance the heat. Warm garlic bread or a hunk of crusty baguette will help scoop up every last bit of creamy, cheesy sauce—trust me, you’ll want it all!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! in a cast iron skillet for a dramatic, family-style meal at the table, or scoop it into individual ramekins and pop it under the broiler for a bubbly cheese top. It’s also fantastic layered in a baking dish for a next-level potluck casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so reheated pasta is often even tastier the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! for up to 2 months. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results; the creamy sauce may separate a bit, but a quick stir brings it right back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Individual portions can also be microwaved, stirring halfway through. Top with fresh cheese or a drizzle of buffalo sauce to revive the bold, zesty flavors.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken instead?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked, shredded chicken streamlines the process, making Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! even quicker for busy nights. Just toss with the blue cheese or ranch and fold it in as instructed.

Is this recipe super spicy?

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! has a gentle kick thanks to the buffalo sauce, but you have full control: use a mild buffalo sauce for just a whisper of heat, or add more (plus red pepper flakes) if you like things fiery. You can also scale back for sensitive palates.

Are there gluten-free options?

Definitely! Simply swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as gluten-free noodles can have slightly different requirements.

What if I don’t like blue cheese?

No worries—substitute with ranch dressing for a still-creamy, equally tasty result! Some folks even like a mix of both, so don’t be afraid to customize Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! to your preferences.

Can I double this for a crowd?

Yes! The recipe scales up beautifully. Use a large Dutch oven or stockpot, and simply double all ingredient amounts. If your pan is very full, stir more often while simmering to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a one-pan wonder that satisfies every cheesy, spicy, comfort-food craving, you just have to try Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! It’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles and second helpings, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dinner!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheeses, zesty buffalo sauce, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a kick!

Instructions

Gently Boil/Shred the Chicken: Place chicken in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove, shred, and toss with blue cheese dressing.
Prepare the Pasta: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté onions, celery, and garlic. Add tomatoes, broth, and pasta. Cook until al dente. Reduce heat, add sauces and cheeses. Stir in shredded chicken and red pepper flakes. Swirl in cold butter before serving.