Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—spicy, creamy, and cheesy, with a tangy kick from buffalo sauce. The best part? It’s a one-pot recipe, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy cheese sauce for a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a game-day gathering, this one-pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta will be a crowd favorite.
This dish takes the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken wings and transforms them into a hearty, creamy pasta dish. If you love buffalo chicken dip, this recipe will be your new go-to meal! With simple ingredients and a fast cook time, it’s an easy 30-minute dinner that delivers restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients for One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This easy pasta dish uses everyday ingredients that come together to create a creamy, spicy masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (500ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup (125ml) buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups (200g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work best)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup (60ml) ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This one-pot pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pot
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and buffalo sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Add uncooked pasta and stir again.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make it Cheesy
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese (optional), parsley, or green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Want to tweak this buffalo chicken pasta recipe? Here are some ideas:
Make it Healthier
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta.
- Choose low-fat cheddar cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella.
Switch the Protein
- Instead of chicken breasts, use rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or mushrooms instead of chicken.
Adjust the Spice Level
- Love extra heat? Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Prefer it milder? Use less buffalo sauce and mix in more ranch dressing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and add a little cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie holds the creamy sauce best.
2. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then add broth, buffalo sauce, and pasta. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release and stir in the cheese.
3. What buffalo sauce should I use?
Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any buffalo wing sauce will work.
4. Is this dish very spicy?
It has a medium spice level. Adjust by using less buffalo sauce or adding more cheese and cream.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese.
6. What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta?
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables
7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If using rotisserie chicken, add it when the pasta is almost done cooking.
8. How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it in while the pasta is simmering.
9. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
10. What cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese gives the best flavor.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and packed with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. Plus, since it’s made in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
With simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cook time, this dish is great for meal prep, game days, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously indulgent. Try it today and see why it’s a family favorite!
🔥 Love spicy dishes? Try pairing this with Buffalo Chicken Dip or Homemade Ranch Dressing for the ultimate meal!