If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor and short on dishes, you’re going to fall in love with Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Imagine everything you crave about classic buffalo wings—zesty hot sauce, tender chicken, creamy dressing—all tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta in a single skillet. Not only does this dish come together in just about 30 minutes, but every bite is packed with cheesy, spicy, tangy goodness that will leave your family asking for seconds. It’s a lively, irresistible spin on comfort food, and it couldn’t be easier to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! recipe keeps things simple with a line-up of pantry staples and a handful of fresh favorites. Each ingredient adds its own special touch to the finished dish—from bold flavor boosters to creamy textures and colorful garnishes.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and a hint of richness to start the dish off right.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and the perfect protein to soak up all those spicy buffalo flavors.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors in the chicken and seasonings.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness to balance the spicy sauce.
- Garlic: A must-have for depth and that irresistible savory aroma.
- Onion powder: Lends gentle, sweet onion flavor without the extra chopping.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the dish with a mild smokiness and a gorgeous red hue.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show! Brings bold, tangy heat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savoriness and cooks the pasta right in the pot for maximum flavor.
- Uncooked penne pasta: Picks up the creamy sauce and cooks to perfection right alongside the other ingredients.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the sauce, making it rich and irresistibly creamy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a burst of color.
- Ranch dressing: Swirls in a cool, herby contrast to the buffalo heat.
- Green onions: Sliced fresh on top for a pop of color and peppery bite.
- Optional blue cheese crumbles: For those who love classic buffalo pairings, this is a can’t-miss topping!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!
Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces in an even layer. Sprinkling on the salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika at this stage really anchors the flavor—give everything a quick toss and cook, watching as the chicken sears to a light golden color. This only takes about 5 to 6 minutes, just until there’s no pink left.
Step 2: Bring the Heat, Add the Broth
Now for the heart of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of your pan. The aroma alone will make your mouth water as you bring the mixture to a lively boil, signaling it’s time for the pasta show.
Step 3: Pasta Joins the Party
Drop in your uncooked penne pasta, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Pop a lid on and let the magic happen for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir once or twice while you wait, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all those spicy, savory flavors directly from the pot. By the time you peek, you’ll notice the liquid has mostly absorbed and your pasta is perfectly tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
It’s time to take Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! from delicious to downright decadent. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir gently: they’ll quickly melt into the sauce, transforming it into a velvety, craveable base. Follow up with the shredded cheddar and ranch dressing, mixing until everything is lusciously creamy and every noodle is coated.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Spoon the bubbling pasta into bowls while it’s still piping hot. Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a bit of fresh crunch and color. Want to channel that classic buffalo flavor? Scatter blue cheese crumbles on top and watch them melt ever so slightly. Each forkful is a tangy, cheesy, spicy celebration!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!
Garnishes
The right garnishes can turn your bowl of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! into something downright show-stopping. I love piling on sliced green onions for freshness and adding a spoonful of funky blue cheese crumbles for those buffalo wing vibes. You can even drizzle a touch of extra buffalo sauce or a zigzag of ranch right over the top for that chef’s kiss finish.
Side Dishes
Since this dish packs so much flavor, it shines beautifully alongside simple, cooling sides. A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing echoes the pasta’s flavors, while celery and carrot sticks offer a playful, crunchy nod to classic buffalo wings. Garlic bread or even soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! for a crowd, try spooning it into a large serving bowl and topping it family-style. Individual ramekins or small cocottes make it dinner-party chic, while piling the pasta over a bed of baby spinach or arugula adds a fresh, modern twist. For potlucks, jazz things up by adding extra shredded cheese on top and broiling for a bubbly, golden crust before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and slide them into the fridge. Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! holds up nicely for up to 3 days, with the flavors melding together for an even tastier experience the next day. Be sure to cool everything to room temperature first to keep it fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture will be creamiest when enjoyed fresh, but a gentle touch during reheating keeps things tasty and satisfying.
Reheating
For best results, reheat servings gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover the dish and use 50% power in short bursts to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it after the pasta cooks and reduce the initial cooking time since it’s already cooked through.
How spicy is the finished dish?
The buffalo sauce gives a pleasant medium heat, but you can adjust it. Add more for extra fire, or swap in a milder sauce for a kid-friendly version. Feel free to stir in a dash of cayenne if you’re aiming for maximum spice!
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free noodles can cook a bit faster or slower depending on the brand.
What’s the best ranch dressing to use for Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!?
Any quality store-bought ranch works well, but if you have a homemade recipe you love, feel free to use that! The ranch adds a creamy tang that balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Stir in some finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even frozen peas before covering and simmering the pasta. It’s a great way to add color and a boost of nutrition.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! enough for anyone who craves full-tilt flavor without the kitchen chaos. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and downright addictive—guaranteed to win over buffalo lovers and pasta fans alike. Grab that skillet and give it a try tonight—you’ll be glad you did!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a one-pot wonder that brings together tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a spicy kick of buffalo sauce for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
For the Pasta:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until no longer pink.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in buffalo wing sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked pasta, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, mix until creamy. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time—just reduce the cooking time at the start.
- For a spicier version, add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
