This Easy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a fun and spicy dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tasty pasta all made in one pot, it’s super simple to whip up.
Seriously, who doesn’t love less cleanup? I can just throw everything in a pot and let it cook while I relax. Plus, it’s a hit with the family—everyone loves the spicy kick! 🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, which has a nice shape to hold onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, any short pasta like fusilli or rotini works well!
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but you can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken. It’ll save you some cooking time!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice! If you prefer something milder, try a hot sauce mixed with melted butter or a mild BBQ sauce for a less intense flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be a good substitute.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds melty goodness, but feel free to swap in cheddar or Monterey Jack if you want a different flavor. Blue cheese is optional, but it gives a great tang if you like it!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your pasta just right is key for this dish. Here’s how to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t rinse the pasta: For this recipe, you won’t need to rinse the pasta! It’ll absorb the flavor better.
- Keep an eye on the liquid: Make sure to stir occasionally and watch the pot. If it seems too dry, add a bit more water or broth.
- Taste test: Check the pasta for doneness a minute or two before the timer goes off. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious one-pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta that the whole family will love!
Easy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
Time Estimate:
The total time for this recipe is around 25-30 minutes, which includes about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal to whip up, perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This step will add great flavor to your dish!
3. Add the Pasta and Liquids:
Now it’s time to throw in the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and water. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally and check that the liquid is mostly absorbed and the pasta is tender.
5. Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat further and add the cubed cream cheese and buffalo wing sauce to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
6. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, stir in the cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and blue cheese (if you want that extra flavor kick!). Heat everything until the cheese melts and the dish is well combined.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. You want to make sure every bite is delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your tasty pasta with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a lovely finish. Serve it warm and enjoy your creamy, spicy, and comforting Buffalo Chicken Pasta!
This recipe is a family favorite and is sure to please everyone around the table!
FAQ for Easy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand will save time. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through and combine with the sauce.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you’re looking to tone down the heat, consider using a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with some ranch dressing beforehand. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add more cream cheese for extra creaminess!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. Follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
