One-Pot Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish that combines creamy goodness with the bold spiciness of buffalo sauce, perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced) Shredded or diced according to texture preference; rotisserie chicken is a good alternative.
Starch/Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta Cook until al dente; gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.
Liquids/Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth Check for low-sodium if watching salt intake.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter dish, consider almond milk.
- 2 tbsp cream cheese Provides additional creaminess.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Choose based on heat preference; homemade can be made with hot sauce and melted butter.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Grate fresh for best results.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Grate fresh for melting quality.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- minced garlic Sauté until fragrant; avoid burning as it will become bitter.
Instructions
Preparation
- Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients - Collect all the ingredients so you’re ready to go.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta - In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside but keep some pasta water.
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics - In the same pot, add a splash of oil and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
- Step 4: Add Chicken and Sauces - Add cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to simmer for 3-4 minutes to heat through.
- Step 5: Pour in Cream - Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese; let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until smooth.
- Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese - Add cooked pasta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is combined and creamy.
Serving
- Step 7: Season and Serve - Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with more cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
Enhance flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice. For extra veggies, consider adding cooked broccoli or spinach.