Imagine all your favorite buffalo chicken flavors wrapped into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish — and with just one pot to clean! That’s the magic of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! This crowd-pleasing meal comes together in just 30 minutes, balancing spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese for a dinner experience that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a comfort-packed treat for yourself, this is the dish you’ll crave again and again!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! keeps things simple with ingredients that all play a key role. Each element not only packs in major flavor, but also brings out the ideal texture and visual appeal in every bowl.

Olive oil: A small amount gives the chicken a rich sear and keeps everything from sticking.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Dice these up for fast cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and letting all the other flavors shine.
Garlic: A couple of cloves, freshly minced, infuse the dish with irresistible savory undertones.
Buffalo wing sauce: This is where the signature spicy, tangy flavor comes from — use your favorite brand!
Chicken broth: Adds deep flavor and the perfect amount of liquid to cook your pasta right in the pot.
Penne or rotini pasta (uncooked): Short pasta shapes catch all the creamy sauce and bold flavors.
Cream cheese: Cubed and stirred in for luxuriously creamy texture that mellows the spice.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Choose your team — both options bring that classic cool buffalo pairing.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for sharp, gooey comfort.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds a stretchy, cheesy finish that ties everything together.
Green onions: Sliced and sprinkled on top for color and fresh, zippy bite.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Get your large pot or skillet nice and hot with a swirl of olive oil. Toss in the diced chicken, seasoning immediately with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sizzle, turning occasionally so every piece gets a beautiful golden color and is mostly cooked through. This quick sear is key for maximum flavor in your Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma

Once the chicken is browned, add the minced garlic. Give it just about a minute to cook — the aroma will hit instantly and add a deep, savory layer to the whole dish. Stir to keep the garlic from burning and to blend that gorgeous flavor through the chicken.

Step 3: Pour in Sauce and Broth, Add Pasta

Now for the star players! Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, followed by the chicken broth. Stir it all together so the flavors combine, then add your uncooked pasta. This is where the one pot magic happens: the pasta cooks right in the spicy, savory broth, soaking up all the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the pot to a boil, give it a good stir, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let everything cook together for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. By the time the pasta is tender, most of the liquid will be absorbed, leaving a beautifully thick, flavorful base for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is just the way you like it, stir in the cubes of cream cheese and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. As they melt, the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, with that classic buffalo tang cooling just enough for melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Step 6: Add the Cheeses

Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the cheddar and mozzarella. Watch as they melt into a luscious, gooey sauce. Every piece of chicken and every noodle will be slicked in a cheesy buffalo bath by the time you’re done!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! into bowls and top with a handful of sliced green onions. This simple touch adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes the dish positively irresistible.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions brings color and a gentle bite, but don’t stop there! Try a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley to really amp up the presentation and taste of Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad or some classic celery and carrot sticks on the side — both echo the buffalo wing vibe while keeping your meal bright and balanced. Warm garlic bread or a buttery dinner roll also make excellent dippers for that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow a crowd? Pile the Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! into a big family-style bowl for easy sharing, or spoon it into oven-safe ramekins and top with extra cheese, broiling until bubbly for individual baked servings. For a fun appetizer, you can even stuff leftover pasta into slider buns or set out as a filling for wraps!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or future late-night cravings.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and you’ll have spicy comfort food ready for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating — this helps the creamy sauce regain its luscious texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if it looks thick. You can also microwave individual portions until piping hot, stirring every minute to keep things silky and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely — rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Simply shred or chop your cooked chicken and add it after the garlic, just before adding the pasta and liquids. You’ll save cooking time and still get all the flavor!

Is this recipe really spicy?

That’s up to you! The buffalo sauce brings the heat, but you can use less for a milder dish or add more for a real kick. Cream cheese and ranch or blue cheese both help mellow out the spice, so the final result is usually bold and zesty, but not overwhelming.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes! While penne and rotini are perfect for catching the creamy sauce, Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! works with any short pasta you have on hand. Just watch the cook time — thinner shapes might be done a bit sooner.

How can I make it lighter?

You can use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese to cut some calories, or swap in Greek yogurt for some of the dressing. To sneak in extra veggies, toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach or diced bell pepper toward the end of cooking.

What if I don’t have ranch or blue cheese dressing?

No worries! Sour cream or Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of dried herbs makes a great stand-in. The key for Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is making sure you add a creamy element to balance the spice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for dinner that satisfies all your cravings, promise me you’ll give Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! a try. It’s bold, comforting, incredibly easy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Grab your pot and get ready for a dish that might just become your new weeknight favorite!