Go Back
- 2 cups rotini pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, optional Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking easier and more fun. Let’s break it down. For the base, you need rotini pasta, which holds sauce well. Chicken breasts provide protein and flavor. Heavy cream is key for creaminess, while buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick. Next, we need seasonings. Olive oil helps cook the chicken nicely. Garlic powder and onion powder boost flavor without extra prep. Smoked paprika adds depth, while salt and black pepper round it all out. Finally, for garnishes, green onions add freshness. Blue cheese is an optional touch for a bold flavor. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious dish! - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of diced chicken to the pot. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it's browned and cooked through. Cooking chicken this way adds flavor and keeps it juicy. Stir it often to get an even cook. You want it to be nice and golden before moving on. - Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the pot with the chicken. - Stir well to mix and scrape up any browned bits. - Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. - Once boiling, add 2 cups of rotini pasta. - Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged. Now, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to stop it from sticking. You want it to be al dente, which means it's firm but cooked. - After cooking, lower the heat to low. - Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. - Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning. If you want more heat, add extra buffalo sauce. The sauce should be rich and comforting. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit. It’s time to enjoy a delightful, creamy dish that packs a punch! For a rich sauce, use heavy cream. It adds silkiness. Stir it in slowly after cooking the pasta. This helps it blend smoothly. Another tip is to keep the heat low when adding cream. It prevents curdling, which can ruin the dish. Common mistakes include adding cream too early. This can lead to a grainy texture. Also, avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream. This can change the flavor and texture. To boost flavor, consider adding more spices. Try a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. You can also mix in some ranch seasoning for a twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add freshness. Adjust the heat level by changing the buffalo sauce amount. If you like it spicy, add more. For a milder version, use less sauce. Taste as you go to find the right balance. For a beautiful dish, serve the pasta in deep bowls. It makes the meal look inviting. Drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top. This adds color and flavor. Garnishing is key for visual appeal. Use chopped green onions for a pop of green. Crumbled blue cheese adds flavor and a nice texture. You can even add a sprinkle of paprika for color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} If you want to change up the pasta, there are great options. You can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. If you're gluten-free, chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles work well. Both choices keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Shredded rotisserie chicken can save you time. It adds flavor and is easy to use. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or tofu. Toss them in buffalo sauce for that spicy kick you crave! You can add vegetables for more color and nutrition. Spinach or bell peppers add a fresh crunch. Different cheeses can change the flavor too. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for extra heat. Experimenting helps you find your favorite version! To keep your One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you notice any odd smells or colors, it's best to toss it. Reheat your pasta on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to help restore creaminess. Stir it often to ensure even heating. In the microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. You can freeze this dish! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2 months in the freezer. To save time, you can prep ingredients ahead. Chop the chicken and veggies a day before. Store them in separate containers. Cook the pasta just before you are ready to eat. This keeps it fresh and prevents sogginess. You can also mix the sauce and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you're ready to combine everything. Cooking this dish takes about 30 minutes in total. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 20 minutes The quick prep makes this pasta a great choice for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To save time: - Cook the pasta and store it with the sauce separately. - Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. If you want a milder dish, try these alternatives: - BBQ sauce: Sweet and smoky flavor. - Hot sauce: Choose a milder brand for less heat. - Ranch dressing: Creamy with a tasty twist. These swaps can give your pasta a new fun flavor. This blog covered how to make One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta. We discussed the main ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and shared helpful tips. You can adjust the heat with different sauces or make it vegetarian. Enjoy this dish fresh or meal prep for later. Store it well to savor every bite. Now, you have all the tools needed for a tasty meal. Go ahead, cook, and enjoy your delicious creation!

One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this one-pot creamy buffalo chicken pasta! Combining tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a rich buffalo sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that's sure to please. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make this delicious dish tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on your heat preference)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.

    Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the chicken. Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

      Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the rotini pasta to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth.

        Simmer: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente.

          Create the Sauce: After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

            Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you enjoy more heat, add extra buffalo sauce to suit your preference.

              Let it Thicken: Remove the pot from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a couple of minutes, which will let the sauce thicken slightly.

                Serve: Dish out the creamy buffalo chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with the chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese for an extra flavor boost, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, consider serving the pasta in deep bowls, and drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top before adding the garnishes. This adds color and extra flavor!