Description
This creamy buffalo chicken pasta is a bold, comforting dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a cheesy finish, it’s the ultimate one-skillet dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ pound), cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with juices
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup cayenne-based hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire-style sauce
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
3. Add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their liquid, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the liquid to a strong simmer. Once simmering, stir briefly, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover again.
5. Let the pasta cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the cream cheese, butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire-style sauce. Stir gently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly. Add veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American