One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta (Creamy & Spicy)
Introduction
Buffalo chicken pasta is the perfect fusion of bold American comfort foods. It combines the fiery, tangy heat of Buffalo sauce with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta — all cooked together into one irresistible dish. This one-pot version is especially appealing because it delivers deep, layered flavor while keeping cleanup simple and stress-free.
By cooking everything in one pot, the pasta absorbs the spicy, buttery Buffalo sauce as it cooks, creating a rich, cohesive dish where every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re making a quick family dinner, feeding a crowd, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers indulgence without complexity.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Protein & Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce Base
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese & Finish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Buffalo sauce
🍗 Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and mostly cooked through. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully done at this stage — it will finish cooking with the pasta.
Remove the chicken briefly to a plate and set aside.
👉 Why this matters: Browning the chicken builds flavor that carries through the entire dish.
🧅 Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot (don’t clean it — those browned bits are gold), add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, which can turn bitter.
🍝 Step 3: Add Pasta & Liquids
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the dry pasta, chicken broth, Buffalo sauce, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.
As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the spicy, creamy liquid, thickening the sauce naturally.
👉 If the mixture looks dry before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water.
🧀 Step 4: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, lower the heat to low.
Stir in the butter, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more Buffalo sauce if you like extra heat, or a splash of cream to mellow it out.
🔥 Step 5: Customize the Heat Level
This dish is flexible and forgiving:
- Mild: Use less Buffalo sauce and add more cream
- Medium: Follow the recipe as written
- Spicy: Add extra Buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne
Buffalo chicken is all about balance — spicy, tangy, and creamy.
🧑🍳 Step 6: Rest & Serve
Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest uncovered for 3–5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions, parsley, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This one-pot Buffalo chicken pasta is rich and bold, so pair it with something fresh:
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
🔁 Delicious Variations
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Add cream cheese (2–3 tablespoons) for ultra-rich texture.
🥦 Veggie Boost
Stir in broccoli florets or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
🥓 Buffalo Chicken Bacon Pasta
Add crispy bacon bits at the end for smoky crunch.
🌾 Healthier Option
Use whole-wheat pasta and reduce cheese slightly.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking on high heat (causes sauce to break)
- Not stirring occasionally (pasta may stick)
- Adding cheese while the sauce is boiling
- Overcooking the pasta
🧠 Pro Tips for One-Pot Success
- Use a wide pot for even cooking
- Shred cheese yourself for smoother melting
- Always simmer, never aggressively boil
- Taste before serving — balance is key
📜 Why One-Pot Cooking Works
One-pot meals allow starch, fat, and flavor to meld together naturally. The pasta releases starch into the sauce, thickening it without extra flour or cream. Meanwhile, the chicken and Buffalo sauce infuse the dish from start to finish.
This method creates deeper flavor with fewer steps and less cleanup — perfect for modern home cooking.
🍝 Final Thoughts
This one-pot Buffalo chicken pasta is bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Creamy without being heavy, spicy without being overwhelming, and easy without being boring, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite.