Description
How to make one-pot creamy spicy buffalo chicken pasta with tender chicken and rich sauce that satisfies every comfort food craving in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Builders
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (additional)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and first portion of buffalo sauce. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Add penne pasta to the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cream cheese cubes, and additional buffalo sauce. Mix until cream cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Finish Dish: Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more buffalo sauce as needed.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Don’t add cream while mixture is boiling or it will curdle and ruin the smooth texture.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half for busy weeknights.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount to your family’s preferred spice level.
- Stir frequently while pasta cooks to prevent sticking to pot bottom.
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smoother melting into sauce.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g