Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini); 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is a perfect weeknight dinner for anyone who loves a little spice with their comfort food. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, and I love that I can make it all in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s packed with all the flavors I crave—creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of heat from the buffalo sauce. It’s super simple to make, with everything coming together in one pot, which makes it perfect for busy nights when I want a comforting meal without the mess. Plus, the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and spicy buffalo sauce is an irresistible flavor combo.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast, diced
Olive oil
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Uncooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
Buffalo sauce
Cream cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, I add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. I season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.
I remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside, then add the diced onion to the same pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
I add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
I add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stir it in, and cover the pot. I let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
I reduce the heat and stir in the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. I keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
I return the chicken to the pot and mix everything until well combined.
I let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
I garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook, so the entire dish comes together in roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped celery or carrots to the mix for extra crunch and a more authentic buffalo wing flavor. If I’m craving a little extra heat, I add a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce before mixing it in. I also like to switch up the cheese—cheddar works wonderfully if I want something a bit sharper. For a lighter version, I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and low-fat cream cheese.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes or warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, I can use frozen chicken, but I’ll need to cook it a bit longer. Just make sure to thaw and dice it for easier cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! I’ve used rotini, penne, and even elbow macaroni with great results. Any pasta that cooks in about 10 minutes works well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

I love to add extra hot sauce or use a spicier buffalo sauce to give it more of a kick. Jalapeños are also a great addition for extra heat.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

If I want to skip the cream cheese, I can substitute it with heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy finish.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

If I don’t have chicken broth, I can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though chicken broth adds a deeper flavor.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. It’s creamy, spicy, and cheesy, with everything coming together in one pot for minimal cleanup. Whether I’m in the mood for a quick dinner or a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken, this recipe is always a winner.