Pin it A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese—a perfect choice for a quick, flavorful dinner that brings all the zesty comfort food vibes.
I whipped up this buffalo chicken pasta skillet on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how quickly dinner came together. Every bite had that irresistible mix of spicy sauce and velvety cheese, and my family kept coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups (about 250 g), shredded or diced
- Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini, uncooked
- Celery: 1 cup (120 g), thinly sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup (60 g), diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Green onions: 1/4 cup (25 g), sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml), low-sodium
- Buffalo wing sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), softened and cubed
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115 g), shredded
- Blue cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g), crumbled (optional)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and cook celery, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3&4 minutes.
- Add pasta & liquids:
- Put uncooked pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and milk into the skillet. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat. Cover and cook for 10&12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it creamy:
- Stir in cooked chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until cheeses melt and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Add green onions:
- Fold in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce, if desired. Serve hot.
Pin it Sharing this pasta with my kids turned dinner into a fun occasion—they loved sneaking extra blue cheese on top! Even my spice-averse partner happily went back for seconds with a little ranch on the side.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese, milk) and gluten (pasta). May contain traces of soy depending on buffalo sauce brand—always check ingredient labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 560, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 38 g.
Pin it This creamy skillet meal is sure to become a regular request—clean plates every time. Enjoy the bold flavors and simple cleanup!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and can save prep time without losing flavor.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the heat.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this skillet?
Penne or rotini hold sauce well and work best, but any short pasta shape is suitable.
- → Is it necessary to use blue cheese?
Blue cheese is optional and adds a tangy depth, but you can omit it or substitute with ranch dressing for milder flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir occasionally and ensure there's enough liquid to allow the pasta to cook evenly without sticking.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead and reheated?
Yes, it reheats well, but add a splash of milk or broth when warming to maintain creamy texture.