There’s nothing quite like the bold and creamy flavors of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe to satisfy your craving for something both comforting and exciting. This dish brings together tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and cheesy pasta all in one pot, making dinner not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare and clean up. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or inviting friends over, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal full of flavor and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, combining simplicity with bold tastes that build the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness. These kitchen staples ensure the dish comes together quickly without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the pasta.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Delivers an aromatic punch that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, savory base for the pasta and sauce.
- Buffalo sauce: The star of the show — provides that addictive spicy kick you crave.
- Heavy cream: Balances the heat with luscious creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
- Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: Absorbs the sauce and adds satisfying texture to every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for a rich, gooey finish.
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional): Adds tangy depth for classic buffalo flavor lovers.
- Chopped green onions (optional): A fresh, crunchy garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute until fragrant, immediately filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to combine those bold flavors. Add the dry pasta directly into the pot, then bring the mixture up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to allow the pasta to soak up all the spicy, creamy goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. This step allows the noodles to become perfectly tender and the sauce to thicken into that rich, dreamy consistency you want.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
After the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese while the sauce is still hot. Watch it melt into a smooth, cheesy coating that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. For the ultimate buffalo experience, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top if you’re a fan of that tangy zing.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Finish with a vibrant garnish of chopped green onions to add a fresh crunch, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting heat and creamy textures that make the Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe an absolute favorite in any season.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions or extra blue cheese crumbles really amps up both the flavor and the presentation. Not only do these toppings provide a pop of color, but they also offer a flavor contrast that cuts through the richness with a little bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with fresh celery sticks or a crisp garden salad adds refreshing complements. The cool crunch of celery is especially classic with buffalo flavors and balances the heat perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching twist, serve the Buffalo Chicken Pasta in individual mason jars or small cast iron skillets. This makes for a fun, rustic vibe whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a cozy family dinner. Top each serving with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for that wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might not last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as they chill, making it a great option for a quick next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavors intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore that creamy sauce consistency. Stirring frequently helps prevent sticking and keeps every bite deliciously smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini are ideal for holding the sauce well, feel free to substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe?
The spice level mostly depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer milder heat, choose a less spicy buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly. You can always add hot sauce on the side for those who want more kick!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan cheese substitute or omit it altogether. The buffalo sauce and chicken broth will still provide plenty of flavor.
Is it possible to use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, add it at the end just before the cheese melts to warm through without overcooking. This saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce thickens too quickly, stir in a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and bold flavor of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines classic spicy buffalo vibes with creamy comfort and minimal cleanup. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to for satisfying, fuss-free meals that never fail to impress.
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
Description
This one-pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish combining tender chicken, penne pasta, and a flavorful buffalo sauce all cooked together for an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add the Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Stir to combine all the liquids evenly. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, 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, creating a creamy sauce. If desired, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if using, and serve the pasta hot for a comforting and spicy meal.
Notes
- Using penne or rotini pasta helps hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
- Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add authentic buffalo wing flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream or substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
