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Easy One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

one pot creamy buffalo chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish with creamy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and a spicy kick. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day, ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot Original hot sauce
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups (about 300g) cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw chicken)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken broth, milk, and hot sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Add penne pasta, stir immediately, and reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer.
  3. Cook pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until tender but al dente. If liquid thickens too much before pasta is done, add a splash of warm water or broth.
  4. Remove pot from heat. Add cubed cream cheese and butter, stirring gently until completely melted and sauce is smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
  5. Stir in shredded chicken until heated through.
  6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust heat with extra hot sauce if desired.
  7. Let pasta rest off heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese or cheddar and green onions or parsley.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth melting. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. For less spice, start with 1/4 cup hot sauce. Leftovers will thicken; add a splash of milk when reheating. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, game day recipe