Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet

A spicy creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken tangy buffalo sauce and melted cheese is perfect for a quick flavorful dinner.

I first made this skillet on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how fast and satisfying it turned out. Everyone loved the creamy tangy sauce and I loved that cleanup was simple.

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

Add chicken and 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

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

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This recipe has become a requested dinner for game nights everyone in my family enjoys piling their bowls high and customizing their toppings.

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 also contain soy depending on the buffalo sauce brand always check labels

Nutritional Information

Per serving Calories 560 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 38 g

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This creamy buffalo chicken pasta skillet will quickly become a staple for any busy weeknight Enjoy with your favorite salad for a satisfying meal

Cooking Guide

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne or rotini hold the sauce well and cook evenly in this skillet dish, but any short pasta shape will work.

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely, shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be added at the end for convenience.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne to increase heat, or reduce sauce for milder flavor.

→ Is blue cheese required?

Blue cheese is optional; you can omit it or substitute with ranch dressing for a milder, creamy finish.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.