Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its creamy sauce and spicy kick, it combines the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken with pasta in a single skillet. Whether you’re using fresh chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. You’ll love how versatile it is—great for families or any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One Pot Wonder: Limited cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of buffalo sauce and creamy cheese creates a rich, satisfying dish that’s full of flavor.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or your favorite type of pasta to make this dish your own!
- Crowd Favorite: Perfect for parties or family dinners, Buffalo Chicken Pasta appeals to both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking and helps combine all ingredients seamlessly.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy for your prep work.
Ingredients
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is easy to make in a skillet with a delicious cream sauce and your choice of pasta. Use fresh, rotisserie, or leftover chicken!
Protein
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (equal to 1 lb.)
Dressings & Sauces
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (can sub ranch)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Dairy
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1.5 cups cheddar (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
Vegetables
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 stick celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Canned Goods & Broth
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained, 1 can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta
- 1 lb. penne
Extras
- 2 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by setting out the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese so they reach room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In your skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened. Next, add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet to shred it into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and penne pasta. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer Until Cooked
Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Serve
Add cream cheese cubes along with shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy. For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of cold butter before serving if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta hot!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with a spicy kick. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Pairing with Fresh Greens
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese dressed in Caesar dressing complement the rich pasta.
Adding Crunch
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Vegetable Sticks: Serve carrots and celery sticks on the side for a refreshing crunch that complements the meal.
Go for Extra Flavor
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle blue cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the buffalo sauce.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor and pop of color when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Enhance with Additional Sauces
- Extra Buffalo Sauce: Drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the top for those who love an extra kick.
- Ranch Dressing: A side of ranch dressing can be served for dipping or drizzling over the pasta, providing a creamy contrast to the spice.
How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly season your chicken: Season your chicken breast well before cooking to enhance its flavor throughout the dish.
- Use room temperature cheeses: Allow cream cheese and shredded cheeses to come to room temperature for easier melting and mixing into the pasta.
- Stir frequently: Stirring the pasta while it cooks helps prevent sticking and ensures even distribution of flavors in the sauce.
- Adjust spice levels: If you like it milder, use less buffalo sauce or mix in more cream cheese to balance out the heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate spinach or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrients and color in your dish.
- Let it rest: Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps thicken the sauce as it cools slightly.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well with Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Roasting broccoli with garlic brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast that complements the spiciness of the pasta.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs beautifully with buffalo flavors; grilling it enhances its natural sugars.
- Stuffed Peppers: Add colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans as a hearty side option.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives for a comforting side.
- Fried Zucchini Planks: Crispy fried zucchini planks provide a crunchy texture that balances out the creaminess of the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold cheese: Always let your cream cheese and shredded cheeses come to room temperature. This helps them melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Overcooking the pasta: Follow the package instructions for al dente pasta. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the dish’s texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste your dish as you go! Adjust with salt or extra buffalo sauce if needed for the right flavor.
- Not mixing well: Ensure all ingredients are combined thoroughly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor from the buffalo sauce and cheese.
- Skipping the rest time: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld together, enhancing taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta can last up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use microwave-safe dishes. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to your dish.
What type of pasta is best for Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Penne works well, but you can also use bowtie or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure it cooks evenly!
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
The spice level depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust it based on your preference!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of creamy and spicy flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile too; feel free to customize it by adding veggies or changing up the cheeses. Don’t hesitate to give this comforting dish a try!
One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together creamy, spicy flavors in a delightful one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish and requires minimal cleanup. With tender chicken, rich cheeses, and zesty buffalo sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for fresh chicken or leftover rotisserie, this versatile dish is sure to please family and friends alike. Pair it with a simple salad or crunchy garlic bread for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 stick diced celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
Instructions
- Begin by allowing your cream cheese and shredded cheeses to reach room temperature.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add the chicken breast, cooking until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and penne pasta; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in cream cheese cubes and shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
