Pin it 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 on a busy night when everyone craved something comforting but with a little kick. The whole family loved the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a hit of heat. It quickly became a favorite on our dinner rotation, and I love how easy cleanup is when everything cooks in one skillet.
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
- 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 pasta & liquids:
- 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.
- Make creamy sauce:
- 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:
- 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.
Pin it This pasta never lasts long at our table—my kids ask for seconds and love to sprinkle extra green onions on top. It's one of those dishes that brings us together for a cozy, delicious meal.
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). May contain traces of soy depending on buffalo sauce brand—always verify ingredient labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 560, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 38 g
Pin it Give this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet a try for a dinner everyone will crave again. The creamy, spicy sauce and simple prep make it a clear winner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or rotini pasta are ideal as they hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper increases spiciness to suit your preference.
- → Is it possible to use leftover chicken?
Cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used directly for convenience without affecting flavor.
- → What cheeses contribute to the creamy texture?
Cream cheese, mozzarella, and optional blue cheese melt together to create a rich, smooth sauce.
- → How to keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and use enough broth and milk to keep pasta well-coated and tender.
- → Can I omit blue cheese?
Yes, leaving it out or substituting with ranch dressing will mellow the flavor while maintaining creaminess.