Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet (Print-Friendly Format)
Buffalo sauce, chicken, pasta, and cheese create creamy, flavorful comfort in a single skillet meal.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Main
01 -
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
02 -
120 ml blue cheese dressing (or ranch as alternative)
03 -
30 g butter, divided
04 -
80 g yellow onion, diced
05 -
60 g celery, diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
410 g canned diced tomatoes, undrained
08 -
950 ml chicken broth
09 -
450 g penne pasta
10 -
120 ml buffalo sauce
11 -
225 g cream cheese, softened and cubed
12 -
170 g cheddar cheese, shredded
13 -
100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
14 -
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
15 -
28 g cold butter (optional, for sauce finishing)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Allow cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese to come to room temperature before beginning to ensure even melting.
02 -
Place chicken breast in a pot of water and gently bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove and shred using two forks. Toss shredded chicken with blue cheese dressing and set aside.
03 -
Melt half the butter in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute.
04 -
Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil. Add penne, ensuring it is submerged in liquid. Return to a boil, cover, and cook for 10–13 minutes, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.
05 -
Lower heat to minimum. Stir in buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix gently until the cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth, allowing it to thicken slightly.
06 -
Stir in shredded chicken and red pepper flakes. Allow the dish to stand over gentle heat until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
07 -
For an extra silky sauce, swirl in the remaining cold butter just before serving.
# Additional Information:
01 -
Use freshly shredded cheese blocks for a creamier texture; pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
02 -
If you prefer a saucier pasta, reduce pasta quantity slightly. The dish will continue to absorb sauce as it sits.
03 -
Bring dairy ingredients to room temperature to ensure smooth incorporation into the sauce.
04 -
For best results, gently boil chicken to maintain tenderness and flavor.
05 -
Ranch dressing can replace blue cheese dressing based on preference.
06 -
Ensure the heat is low when adding cheese to prevent sauce from breaking.
07 -
This dish can be adapted with 600 ml chicken broth plus 350 ml water if preferred.