One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a kick! Tender chunks of chicken and pasta swimming in a velvety, spicy buffalo cream sauce, all prepared in just one pot. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a mountain of dishes to clean afterward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Everything cooks in one pot in just 30 minutes – perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and rich, creamy cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!
• Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make it as mild or spicy as you prefer.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and onions, providing a nice base flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet aromatic foundation that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
• Chicken: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors – use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results.
• Garlic: Provides that essential aromatic punch that makes everything taste better.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this pasta so comforting.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor while providing enough liquid to cook the pasta directly in the sauce.
• Pasta: Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni or penne work perfectly by capturing the creamy sauce in their ridges and hollows.
• Buffalo wing sauce: The key ingredient that gives this dish its signature tangy, spicy kick.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty dimension while helping to thicken the sauce.
• Blue cheese crumbles: The classic buffalo chicken companion that adds distinctive tangy pockets of flavor throughout the dish.

Variations

Veggie Boost

Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Heat Level Adjustments

For milder flavor, reduce the buffalo sauce to 2-3 tablespoons. For extra heat lovers, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Cheese Options

Not a fan of blue cheese? Substitute with extra Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar.

Protein Swaps

Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap chicken for shrimp for a delicious seafood variation.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook Chicken and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cubed chicken, sautéing for about 4 minutes until the chicken begins to brown and onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add your pasta of choice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. This is crucial – a rapid boil might cause the cream to separate!

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors while releasing starch that helps thicken everything.

Step 4: Finish with Buffalo Sauce and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender to your liking, stir in the buffalo wing sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce should coat the pasta beautifully, turning a light orange color.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the top just before serving. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese without completely losing its distinctive texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pasta Selection: Different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times. Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Cheese Integration: Reserve a little Parmesan to sprinkle on top just before serving for an extra flavor boost.
• Buffalo Sauce Quality: Use a good-quality buffalo sauce – it really makes a difference in the final flavor profile.
• Cut Size Matters: Dice chicken into similar-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the rich pasta.

Bread Companions

Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Garnish Ideas

A sprinkle of chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce adds a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight!

Freezing

While cream-based pastas aren’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month if needed. The sauce may separate slightly when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While shorter, tube-shaped pastas like rigatoni and penne work particularly well by capturing the sauce, you can use whatever you have on hand. Just note that different shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on pasta doneness as it simmers.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and may be slightly thinner. I wouldn’t recommend using milk alone as it might curdle with the buffalo sauce, but a combination of milk and cream cheese can work as an alternative.

My family doesn’t like blue cheese. What can I use instead?
Blue cheese is traditional with buffalo chicken, but this dish is still delicious without it! Simply increase the Parmesan or add some mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead. You could also try a dollop of ranch dressing on top for a similar tangy complement.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it up to a day ahead. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce, as it will thicken considerably in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines everyone’s favorite buffalo chicken flavors with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish – all with minimal cleanup! It’s become my go-to recipe when I need something impressive yet simple that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the desire for bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish is guaranteed to become a requested favorite in your recipe collection!

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