Nothing beats the creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting flavors of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot Recipe when you need a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. This dish brilliantly combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and cheesy goodness all in one pot, making dinner both foolproof and full of flavor. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate how the pasta soaks up that signature buffalo kick, balanced perfectly with creamy cheese and a hint of tang from blue cheese crumbles. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you simply crave something indulgent but effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, accessible, and work together wonderfully to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Each item is key to giving this pasta its perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and texture.
- Olive oil: A splash to sauté the chicken to golden perfection, adding depth to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the pasta.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to highlight and balance the flavors.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with savory goodness.
- Buffalo sauce: The star ingredient that delivers that beloved spicy tang.
- Heavy cream: Gives the dish its luscious, creamy texture to smooth out the heat.
- Penne or rotini pasta: The hearty pasta shape grabs and holds onto all the sauce and cheesy bits.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, flavorful cheese that ties the dish together.
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional): Adds sharp, tangy bursts for those who love an extra layer of Buffalo chicken flavor.
- Chopped green onions (optional): A fresh, crisp garnish that brightens each bite visually and in taste.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season your cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it in the hot oil until cooked through — around 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in juicy flavor while creating a nice sear. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant; this adds a velvety garlic backbone to your sauce.
Step 2: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Next, pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream, stirring everything together. This combination is what makes the pasta rich, slightly spicy, and perfectly creamy. Add in your uncooked pasta, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil to get things cooking evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks and the pasta cooks through perfectly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully and the pasta soaking up all those incredible flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
When the pasta is tender and saucy, it’s time for the cheddar cheese. Stir it in until it melts into a creamy, cheesy swirl that pulls everything together. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, sprinkle the crumbles on top now to introduce a bold tang that pairs so well with the buffalo heat.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions for a bright pop of color and freshness. Serve this Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot Recipe hot and watch how quickly it disappears at the table. Trust me — everyone will want seconds.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are a natural choice to lend a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy pasta. For an extra burst of flavor, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles adds a zesty punch. You can also try a drizzle of ranch or additional buffalo sauce on top to turn the heat up or cool things down as you like.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is mighty satisfying on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can round out the meal nicely. Try a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or classic celery sticks and carrot sticks for that true buffalo experience. Garlic bread is another winner, soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot Recipe in small mason jars for a fun party appetizer or packed lunch. You could also layer the pasta and extra shredded cheese in a baking dish, broil it for a few minutes to get a golden bubbly top, and turn it into a comforting casserole twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve texture.
Freezing
This one-pot wonder freezes nicely, too. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Avoid freezing if you plan to garnish with fresh green onions — add those fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore that creamy consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it back up. Finish with fresh garnishes to bring the dish back to life.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of cubed chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you have leftover shredded chicken, it’s a great shortcut. Just add it to the pot after the sauce simmers and pasta cooks, warming it through with the cheese at the end.
Is there a way to make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder variety. Adding extra cream or cheese also helps mellow the heat without losing flavor.
Can I substitute a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne or rotini work best because of their shape holding the sauce, feel free to use any short pasta like rigatoni, shells, or even farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? What can I use instead?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be a bit thinner. To thicken, just cook it a bit longer uncovered or add a small sprinkle of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk cream substitute. Choose a buffalo sauce that doesn’t contain dairy to keep the flavors authentic but allergy-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Give this Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot Recipe a try next time you want something quick, delicious, and totally crave-worthy. It’s a fantastic meal that brings together spice, creaminess, and ease in every bite, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Trust me, once you experience the magic of this flavorful one-pot wonder, it will likely become your go-to comfort dinner.
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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
Description
A creamy, spicy one-pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and a cheesy sauce with pasta for a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
- Add the Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine well. Add the uncooked pasta, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, resulting in a creamy sauce. For extra flavor, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top if desired.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty buffalo chicken pasta!
Notes
- Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add a traditional Buffalo Wing flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Use whichever pasta shape you prefer; penne and rotini work best to hold the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
