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
Scale
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
