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Quick and Comforting Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A family-friendly favorite, this buffalo chicken pasta combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and a spicy kick, all in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (1 lb.)
  • ½ cup blue cheese dressing (can sub ranch)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 stick celery (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained, 1 can)
  • 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)
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Set the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese out ahead of time to reach near room temperature.
  2. In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook the chicken breast for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove and shred the chicken.
  3. In the same pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  5. Stir in shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, buffalo sauce, and remaining butter until mixed and heated.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and creamy. Mix in cooked pasta, cheddar, and mozzarella until cheese is melted and combined.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra kick.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce before cooking. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for nutrition, or substitute with whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.

Nutrition