Save to Pinterest A spicy, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese—perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
I first created this skillet when my family asked for something spicy yet satisfying, and it quickly became a go-to favorite—everyone loves the balance of heat and creaminess.
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 pasta and liquids:
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and milk. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta:
- 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 it creamy:
- 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce, if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest This skillet dinner became an instant hit during our weeknight family meals—everyone gathers faster when they know buffalo chicken pasta is on the menu!
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—check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 560 calories, 23 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this spicy, creamy pasta skillet for a cozy and vibrant dinner—it's sure to please any buffalo chicken lover!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and can save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- → What pasta types work best in this skillet dish?
Penne or rotini hold the sauce nicely and maintain texture after cooking in the skillet.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce the sauce for milder taste.
- → Is it necessary to use blue cheese?
Blue cheese is optional; omitting it or substituting ranch dressing will create a milder, creamier flavor.
- → Can this dish be prepared dairy-free?
This version contains dairy from cream cheese, mozzarella, and milk. For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- → What are good garnishes for this dish?
Extra sliced green onions and a drizzle of buffalo sauce enhance the dish's flavor and presentation.