Save A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese—perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
I first made this buffalo chicken pasta skillet for a weeknight meal when we were craving something satisfying but fast, and it instantly became a favorite. The balance of heat and creaminess kept everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 2 cups (about 250 g), cooked, 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 (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g), crumbled
- 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.
- Combine and melt cheeses:
- 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.
- Add green onions and finish:
- 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.
Save This recipe quickly became a family staple, especially when everyone wanted a filling meal without a long wait. My kids love the mild spice, and it's fun to add extra toppings for each plate.
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); buffalo sauce may contain traces of soy—be sure to read ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 560 calories, 23 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save This buffalo chicken pasta skillet brings big flavor in just 35 minutes. Enjoy leftovers for lunch or customize with your favorite veggies.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work best due to their shape, but any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni can substitute well.
- → How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the buffalo sauce amount or omit the blue cheese, and consider adding a splash of creamy dressing to mellow the heat.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
You can cook the components separately and combine before reheating, but best served fresh to maintain sauce creaminess and texture.
- → What can I serve alongside this skillet?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables provide a fresh contrast and help balance the rich, spicy flavors.
- → Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for a lighter flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.