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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken broth - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper The main ingredients of this dish bring together protein, carbs, and creamy flavors. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the penne pasta adds a hearty touch. The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. - 1 cup buffalo sauce - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Buffalo sauce is the star of this dish. It gives the pasta its signature spicy kick. You can choose mild or hot sauce based on your taste. Salt and black pepper add needed flavor without overpowering the dish. - 2 green onions, sliced - Cheese variations (like blue cheese or mozzarella) Garnishing with green onions adds a fresh crunch and bright color. You can also switch up the cheese. Blue cheese crumbles provide a tangy twist, while mozzarella offers a milder flavor. - Sautéing Onions and Garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 medium diced onion. Cook until it turns soft and clear, about 3 minutes. Then add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for 1 more minute until it smells great. - Cooking the Chicken Now, add 1 pound of cut chicken breasts to the pot. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it turns brown and is fully cooked. - Simmering with Broth and Sauce Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Stir everything well and bring it to a simmer. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish. - Timing for Perfect Texture Next, stir in 8 ounces of penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it every now and then to stop it from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente. - Adding Cream and Cheese After the pasta is done, lower the heat. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of cream cheese. Stir everything until the cheese melts, and the sauce becomes creamy. - Adjusting the Flavor Taste the dish and see if it needs more spice. If you want extra heat, feel free to add more buffalo sauce. Mild vs. Hot Buffalo Sauce You can choose mild or hot buffalo sauce. If you want less heat, go for mild. If you love spice, the hot version is for you. Adjusting the sauce can change the dish's whole vibe. Test a little before you add more. Adding Extra Heat If you want more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Another option is to mix in some jalapeños. Taste as you go so you get it just right. Preventing Sticking To keep the pasta from sticking, stir it often while it cooks. Make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. This helps it cook evenly and stay soft. Best Practices for Creamy Sauce When adding cream, lower the heat first. This keeps the sauce from curdling. Stir until everything is mixed well. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. Make-Ahead Suggestions You can prep some ingredients in advance. Dice the onion and garlic the night before. Also, cut the chicken and store it in the fridge. This makes cooking fast and easy when it’s time to eat. Efficient Cooking Techniques Use a large pot for everything. This way, you won’t need extra pans. Cook the chicken and pasta all in one pot. It saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. {{image_2}} Substituting Chicken You can swap chicken for turkey. Ground turkey works well and cooks fast. For something lighter, try shrimp. Just add it when the pasta is almost done. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Vegetarian Adaptation For a vegetarian take, use chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up the sauce nicely. You can also add mushrooms for texture. Just sauté them with the onions to bring out their flavor. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Options Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty taste. Gluten-free pasta is a great choice too. Both options work well in this dish. Make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Other Pasta Shapes While penne is the star, feel free to use fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold sauce nicely. You can even try spaghetti for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different shapes. Adding Vegetables You can boost nutrition by tossing in veggies. Spinach wilts quickly and adds color. Bell peppers give crunch and sweetness. Just add them when you cook the onions for the best flavor. Mixing in Different Cheeses Cheddar is great, but you can mix it up. Try pepper jack for a kick. Or use mozzarella for a milder taste. A blend of cheeses can create a rich and creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment! To store your One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Tips: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. - Freezing Guidelines: If you want to keep it longer, freeze in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. To enjoy your pasta again, use these methods: - Best Methods for Temperature and Texture: Microwave is quick, but I prefer the stove. Heat on low in a pan, stirring often. This helps keep the sauce creamy. - Avoiding Separation in Sauce: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating. This keeps the sauce smooth and tasty. Wondering how long your dish will last? - How Long Can It Last? In the fridge, it’s good for about 3 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for off smells or changes in color. If it smells sour or looks strange, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. It is safe and easy. Just add it directly to the pot. Cook the chicken longer, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F to be safe. This method saves time on prep. You can enjoy creamy buffalo chicken pasta even on busy days! If you need a different option, try these: - Coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. - Cashew cream for a rich flavor. - Greek yogurt for tanginess. - Silken tofu blended until smooth. These options will keep your dish creamy. Be sure to adjust the quantity to match your taste. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook it and let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Enjoy a quick meal that tastes just as good! You now have all the tools to make a delicious dish using chicken and pasta. We covered the main ingredients, seasonings, and optional garnishes. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and finish your meal. I shared tips for spice levels, cooking pasta, and quick meal prep ideas. You can even explore variations like different proteins or pasta types. Remember, storing leftovers properly can help you enjoy this dish later. Dive in and enjoy your cooking adventure!

One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously easy meal with this One-Pot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese in a single pot for quick cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a hearty favorite for the whole family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this flavorful twist on pasta!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot, based on your preference)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup cream cheese, softened

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

        Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

          Stir in the penne pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more buffalo sauce for extra heat if desired.

                Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

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