Dinner

One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

BySarah Summers May 14, 2026May 14, 2026

Introduction

This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of bold buffalo flavors and creamy cheeses. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends. Enjoy tender chicken and hearty pasta all cooked together in one skillet for minimal cleanup.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with baked penne pasta covered in melted, creamy orange cheese sauce. The pasta is mixed with pieces of cooked chicken, all coated with the cheese. Some green herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding small spots of color. The texture of the cheese looks smooth and gooey, while the chicken pieces appear tender and slightly browned. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 stick celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
4 cups chicken broth
1 lb penne pasta
½ cup buffalo sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink.
Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the onions, celery, and garlic until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Tips & Variations

Use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Substitute penne with another pasta shape like rotini or bowties if preferred.
Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of cold butter at the end before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta mixed with small pieces of grilled chicken. The pasta is coated in a creamy orange-colored sauce, topped with melted cheese that is slightly browned in places, and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The texture of the sauce looks smooth and creamy, while the chicken pieces are tender and slightly browned. The dish is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and shredded cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Use a dairy-free buffalo sauce and dressing to keep the flavors balanced.

Is it possible to freeze the Buffalo Chicken Pasta?

You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to freeze before adding the shredded cheeses, then stir them in after thawing and reheating.