Creamy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
25-minute weeknight skillet pasta with shredded chicken, cavatappi, and rich buffalo cream cheese cheddar sauce.
In a nutshell: This authentic american creamy one-pot buffalo chicken pasta comes together in just 25 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Simmering dried cavatappi directly in chicken broth releases starch into the cooking liqui. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
This Creamy One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta delivers bold game-day flavor in a speedy 25-minute skillet dinner! Tender cavatappi pasta cooked directly in seasoned chicken broth, folded with shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, finished with cool ranch drizzle and crisp green onions.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Cook pasta right in the broth: Simmering dried cavatappi directly in chicken broth releases starch into the cooking liquid, creating a velvety restaurant-quality sauce without needing heavy roux.
- Adjust heat with buffalo sauce: Frank's RedHot original sauce gives the classic tangy buffalo flavor with mild heat. For spicier pasta, add 2 tablespoons extra hot sauce or 1/4 tsp cayenne.
- Add cream cheese last off heat: Remove skillet from high heat before stirring in softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar to prevent the cheese from separating or graining.
Ingredients
6
servings
-
8 oz cavatappi or penne pasta, dry, uncooked (about 2.5 cups)
-
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded, rotisserie or grilled
-
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, for simmering pasta in one pot
-
½ cup Frank's RedHot buffalo wing sauce, or original cayenne pepper sauce
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened, cubed
-
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
-
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, for gooey cheese pull
-
1 packet (1 tbsp) dry ranch seasoning, buttermilk herb blend
-
½ tsp garlic powder & onion powder, adds savory seasoning
-
2 tbsp ranch dressing, for drizzling on top
-
3 stalks green onions (scallions), sliced, for garnish
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Simmer Pasta in Broth
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine dry cavatappi pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry ranch seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook Pasta to Al Dente
Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 9–11 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and most liquid has reduced into a starchy sauce.
Melt the Cheeses
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in softened cubed cream cheese until completely melted and velvety smooth. Fold in shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella until evenly coated in rich orange buffalo sauce.
Melt the Top Crust
Scatter remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Cover with the lid for 2–3 minutes (or broil in an oven-safe skillet) until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Drizzle, Garnish, and Serve
Drizzle with cool ranch dressing and scatter sliced green onions over top. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken breast and thighs make this recipe lightning fast and packed with savory roast flavor.
Cavatappi, penne, rotini, or medium shells work best as their ridges and spirals trap the luscious buffalo cheese sauce.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creamy sauciness.
Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells
This Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells is the quintessential cozy weeknight dinner that the entire family...
View Recipe
Mississippi Funeral Chicken and Potato Casserole
This Mississippi Funeral Chicken and Potato Casserole is the #1 viral comfort dinner of 2026! Tender...
View Recipe
Sheet Pan Harvest Chicken on Pan-Juice Toast
Allrecipes' breakout new dinner concept: Sheet Pan Harvest Chicken on Pan-Juice Toast! Bone-in chicken...
View Recipe