If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and packed with zesty flavor, look no further than this One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a craveable, restaurant-worthy dish in just one pot. With each forkful, you’ll taste tender chicken, velvety cheese, and that signature tangy kick of buffalo sauce, all wrapped up with perfectly cooked pasta. This is comfort food that feels bold, exciting, and weeknight-friendly, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for the One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe couldn’t be more straightforward. Each component, from the juicy chicken to the sharp cheddar, plays an important role in both flavor and texture. With these simple but key ingredients, you’ll build layers of heat, creaminess, and hearty satisfaction in every bite.

Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for an extra depth of flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cooks quickly and soaks up all the bold buffalo flavors.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and delicious flavor.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid for pasta, infusing everything with savory notes.
Heavy cream: Delivers the signature creamy texture that balances the spice.
Buffalo wing sauce: The essential ingredient for that tangy, spicy kick—add more or less to taste!
Uncooked penne pasta: Perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce in each bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that craveable, gooey finish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings bold flavor and a lovely hint of sharpness.
Cream cheese: Rounds out the sauce and creates extra creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Simple yet crucial for seasoning every layer.
Chopped green onions (optional): Adds a burst of color and a mild oniony bite right at the end.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling and fragrant, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. This browning step is key for flavor, so don’t rush it—let the chicken get nicely golden.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible! This quick sauté fits perfectly into the One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe, adding aromatic depth right before you build the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Add Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and buffalo wing sauce. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir well so each piece is submerged in that creamy, spicy bath. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until the Pasta is Tender

Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it all simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to ensure nothing sticks and all the pasta cooks evenly. By the end, the pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid will have thickened into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Creamy Finale

Time for the One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe’s signature creamy finish! Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. Watch as the cheeses melt into the sauce, turning it extra silky and indulgent. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it’s bubbling hot and enjoy every ooey-gooey, spicy-creamy bite.

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

This dish is already bursting with flavor, but a handful of toppings can take your One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe over the top. Chopped green onions add a fresh pop of color and mild spice. For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle on a little extra shredded cheese, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even a few crumbled blue cheese bits for a tangy touch.

Side Dishes

Balance out the spicy, creamy flavors with simple sides. A crisp green salad, crunchy celery, carrot sticks, or warm garlic bread all pair beautifully. These sides cool things down just enough and add some fresh crunch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe the star at your next gathering. Serve it in individual bowls, top with extra buffalo sauce swirls, and provide toothpick-skewered celery “garnish sticks” for a playful look. Or, pour the pasta into a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust before serving family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors meld even more after some time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. While the creamy sauce will thicken in the freezer, it rebounds nicely after reheating. Aim to enjoy within two months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and restore that silky, creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time—just shred it and add after the pasta is cooked, stirring to warm through before adding cheese.

How spicy is this dish?

The One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe is pleasantly spicy but not overwhelming. You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the buffalo wing sauce to suit your own spice comfort level.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a touch less rich. Add a bit more cream cheese for extra creaminess if needed.

Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and cheddar?

The combination delivers the signature stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth quality and flavor profile. However, it’s flexible—feel free to use more of one or the other based on what’s in your fridge.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch the pasta closely as gluten-free varieties can cook more quickly or absorb liquids differently.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors and easy comfort meals, this One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, share with friends or family, and let those gooey, zesty bites bring everyone to the table—one delicious pot at a time!

One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of this One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. A perfect blend of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheeses all cooked together to create a satisfying meal in one pot.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

2 tablespoons butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup buffalo wing sauce
8 oz uncooked penne pasta

For the Cheese Sauce:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 oz cream cheese, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add Ingredients: Stir in garlic, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, and buffalo wing sauce. Add uncooked pasta and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Add Cheese: Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.