Dinner

One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

BySarah Summers May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Introduction

This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting meal all in one dish. Combining tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheeses, it’s an easy dinner that comes together with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering.

The image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marble surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is cooked penne pasta in a light orange creamy sauce, the middle layer contains small pieces of cooked chicken mixed evenly throughout, and the top layer is melted golden cheese with small browned spots and sprinkled green herbs for garnish. The texture is creamy and cheesy with a slightly crispy top. The overall color palette includes shades of orange, white, and green. 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 stalk 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 and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything until well combined.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with hot sauce or increase the blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Add chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish.
Use rotini or fusilli pasta if penne is not available; just adjust cooking time as needed.
For added veggies, toss in chopped bell peppers or spinach during step 2.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it becomes too thick. This dish does not freeze well as the texture of the cream cheese and pasta can change.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baking dish filled with baked pasta. The dish contains about three layers: the bottom layer is creamy pasta with a soft orange sauce mixed with pieces of chicken, the middle layer has melted cheese that looks golden and slightly browned in spots, and the top layer is sprinkled with chopped green herbs for color contrast. The pasta is penne, and the texture is creamy and cheesy with some crispy baked parts. The dish sits 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 use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken. Add it along with the broth and other liquids in step 3 and reduce the simmer time accordingly since the chicken is already cooked.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the cream cheese and shredded cheeses?

You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.