Save A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese—perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
I first tried Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet on a hectic evening, and it was an instant hit. The combination of creamy sauce, just the right heat, and the crispy veggies made everyone reach for seconds.
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: 1/2 cup (60 g), crumbled (optional)
- 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 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.
- Finish & Serve:
- Fold in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat. Garnish with extra green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce, if desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids love helping garnish the finished skillet with extra green onions, and it's become a weeknight favorite that brings everyone together at the table.
Required Tools
You'll need a large deep skillet with lid, a wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy (cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese, milk) and gluten (pasta)—please check all labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 560 calories, 23 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save This skillet recipe is perfect for busy nights and is sure to satisfy anyone craving bold buffalo flavors. Enjoy the creamy kick and quick cleanup!
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini pasta are ideal as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded or diced cooked chicken works perfectly, making this dish great for using leftovers.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add extra buffalo wing sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
- → Is blue cheese necessary?
Blue cheese adds tang and richness but is optional. You can omit it or substitute with ranch dressing for a milder flavor.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It's best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- → What should I serve alongside?
A simple green salad pairs nicely to balance the creamy and spicy flavors.