Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This one skillet pasta dish combines your favorite Buffalo chicken flavors with a creamy, cheesy sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
recipesbynani.comIf you love the tangy heat of Buffalo wings, you are going to adore this simple dinner. It takes all those classic flavors and turns them into a comforting bowl of pasta that the whole family will enjoy. It is a fantastic way to satisfy a craving for something spicy and savory without spending hours in the kitchen.
Because everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze after dinner. My favorite trick for this recipe is to use cream cheese, as it keeps the sauce perfectly smooth and rich without curdling from the buffalo sauce. It is my go to meal when I want something indulgent but quick.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, dill, cayenne pepper, and salt until well coated.
- 2
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove from the heat.
- 3
Pour the undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, and dry penne pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 4
Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, making sure to uncover and stir every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly.
- 5
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, turn off the heat.
- 6
Stir in the Buffalo sauce and softened cream cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- 7
Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring until everything is melted and combined. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
💡 Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, add a tiny splash of broth or water to help bring back that creamy consistency. Serve this with a crisp side salad or some toasted garlic bread to round out the meal.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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