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Buffalo Chicken Pasta: A Spicy, Creamy Delight for Your Dinner Table

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze! Customize the spice level to your liking and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

▢ 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb)
▢ ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch, if preferred)
▢ 2 tablespoons butter, divided
▢ ½ cup yellow onion, diced
▢ 1 stalk celery, diced
▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (1 can, undrained)
▢ 4 cups chicken broth
▢ 1 lb penne pasta
▢ ½ cup buffalo sauce
▢ 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
▢ 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
▢ 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
▢ 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
▢ 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional, for a smooth finish)

Instructions

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken breast in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
  • Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and toss it with blue cheese dressing. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Pasta:

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
  • Add the penne pasta, submerging it in the liquid. Return to a boil, then cover and cook for 10-13 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • Reduce the heat to low. Add the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
  • Fold in the shredded chicken and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Optional Finish:

  • For a silky-smooth sauce, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter just before serving.

Notes

  1. Cheese Prep: Let the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding them to the pasta. This ensures they melt smoothly.
  2. Chicken Cooking: Boil the chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy. Adding bouillon cubes to the water enhances the flavor.
  3. Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften in the sauce.
  4. Sauce Thickness: If you prefer extra sauce, use slightly less pasta. The sauce thickens as it stands, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first.
  5. Cheese Melting: Add cheese over low heat to prevent it from separating and becoming grainy.

Nutrition