Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick! This one-pot recipe is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Meal: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans; everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Bursting with Flavor: The tangy and spicy buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and hearty pasta.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, choose your favorite pasta shape, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one-pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Build the Sauce
In the same pot, add chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta directly into the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese (if using). Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, high-quality buffalo sauce, and freshly shredded cheese make all the difference in flavor.
Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice tolerance. You can also mix in a bit of ranch dressing to mellow out the heat.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
Make it Healthier: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream, and use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken and add it to the pot when combining everything at the end.
What’s the Best Pasta for This Recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand.
How Do I Make It Less Spicy?
If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix in a bit of ranch dressing or cream cheese to balance the heat.
Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it, but keep in mind that creamy sauces can change texture when frozen. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra Protein: Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage for additional protein and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the buffalo sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Loaded Version: Top the dish with diced celery, shredded carrots, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a loaded buffalo chicken experience.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side dish for a complete meal:
A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus for a healthy balance.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to spice up your dinner routine. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and effortless preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
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