Craving a spicy, creamy, and satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Pasta! Made in just one pot and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich buffalo sauce with melted cheese to create a flavorful dish that’s sure to please anyone who loves bold, tangy buffalo flavors. Plus, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
12 oz penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the Liquids and Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.
Cook the Pasta:
Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is done, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, sprinkle some crumbles on top for extra flavor.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Serving Tips:
Pair with Sides: This creamy, spicy dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
Garnishes: Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor. Freshly chopped green onions also add a burst of freshness.
Make It a Meal: If you’re serving this as a main course, it’s hearty enough to stand alone, but you can easily serve it alongside a light appetizer like veggie sticks with dip or a fruit salad.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta is evenly heated.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While penne or rotini are ideal for this dish, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, shells, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using a different type or size of pasta.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! To reduce the spice level, you can use a mild buffalo sauce or decrease the amount of buffalo sauce used in the recipe. You can also substitute it with a milder hot sauce or ranch dressing for a creamy and less spicy alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Buffalo Chicken Pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s a great option for meal prep. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
Yes, if you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that using a thinner liquid may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Conclusion:
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal for anyone who loves bold flavors and simple cooking methods. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The best part? It’s made all in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy this creamy, spicy dish!
📖 Recipe:
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot dish that combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a spicy, creamy buffalo sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful recipe is perfect for buffalo flavor fans and makes for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, buffalo sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
12 oz penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. For extra flavor, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Pasta Choice: Penne or rotini are ideal, but you can substitute any pasta you prefer.
Adjust Heat Level: To reduce spice, use a mild buffalo sauce or decrease the amount used.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
Blue Cheese: Optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor for buffalo sauce lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
