Save A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese—perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
When I first made this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet, my family couldn't get enough of the bold flavors and gooey cheese. It became our go-to option on nights when we wanted comfort food with a kick.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups (about 250 g), shredded or diced
- Penne or rotini pasta: 8 oz (225 g), 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)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Buffalo wing sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), softened and cubed
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (115 g)
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
- 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 sauté celery, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes
- Add liquids and pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and milk. Stir well and bring to a boil
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Stir in chicken and cheese:
- Stir in the cooked chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy—about 3 minutes
- Fold in green onions:
- Fold in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce, if desired. Serve hot
Save We love serving this meal while watching the big game or during busy weeknights. There's always plenty of laughter around the table and everyone asks for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
This skillet pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or extra celery sticks for added crunch. A side of garlic bread can help soak up the creamy, tangy sauce.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and gluten. Double-check all ingredient labels, especially the buffalo sauce, to ensure it's safe for those with allergies.
Nutritional Info
Per serving: 560 calories, 23 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein. Values are approximate.
Save This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet is sure to become a dinner favorite. Enjoy its bold, comforting flavors whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work best for holding the creamy sauce, but other short pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni can be used as alternatives.
- → How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this dish?
The buffalo sauce provides a moderate level of heat, which can be adjusted by adding more sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase spiciness.
- → What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t preferred, it can be omitted or replaced with ranch dressing for a milder flavor profile.
- → Can I prepare this using rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds convenience without compromising flavor.
- → How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Cook until the pasta is al dente—tender but with a slight bite—usually after simmering 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.