If you love bold, spicy flavors and creamy, cheesy pasta, this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Penne is the perfect dish! It’s an easy weeknight dinner that delivers a rich, comforting bite with a fiery kick. Best of all, it’s a one-pot recipe, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Convenience – Less mess, fewer dishes! Perfectly Creamy & Spicy – A dreamy combination of heat and cheesy goodness. Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast dinner. Customizable – Adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your taste. Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make this dish as easy and efficient as possible, have these tools ready:
- Large Pot or Deep Skillet – The key to making this a true one-pot meal.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping chicken, onion, and garlic.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
Pro Tips for Success
Cut chicken into even cubes for uniform cooking. Use fresh garlic for a more intense and aromatic flavor. Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Adjust spice level – Start with less buffalo sauce if you prefer milder heat. Stir pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pot.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta (or substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or shells)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings:
- 1 cup chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or use Monterey Jack for a milder taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
- Crumbled blue cheese (for extra buffalo wing flavor!)
Step-by-Step Directions
1⃣ Sauté Aromatics & Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook until chicken is browned and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes).
2⃣ Simmer with Buffalo Sauce & Broth
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup buffalo sauce.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3⃣ Cook the Pasta in One Pot
- Add 1 lb penne pasta directly into the pot.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook according to the pasta package instructions (about 10-12 minutes), until al dente.
- If needed, add a splash of broth to keep the pasta submerged as it cooks.
4⃣ Make It Creamy & Cheesy
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix well until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.
- For extra buffalo wing flavor, top with crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Perfection Tips
Now that you’ve prepared your One-Pot Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Penne, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it, avoid common mistakes, and find perfect side dishes to complement the dish!
How to Serve One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Penne
This dish is already a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your presentation and serving experience:
Garnish Generously – Sprinkle chopped green onions, parsley, or extra cheese before serving. Add a Cool Contrast – Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spice. Serve Family-Style – Place the pot on the table with extra toppings so everyone can customize. Pair with Crunchy Sides – A crisp salad or toasted bread makes for a satisfying texture contrast.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can go wrong without the right techniques. Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking Buffalo Chicken Penne—and how to avoid them!
1. Overcooking the Pasta
Mistake: Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy. Fix: Cook pasta until just al dente and remember it will continue to soften as it sits in the sauce.
2. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
Mistake: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fix: Grate cheese fresh from a block for the best creamy texture.
3. Not Stirring Enough While Cooking
Mistake: Pasta sticks to the bottom of the pot if left unstirred. Fix: Stir every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
4. Sauce Too Thick or Too Thin
Mistake: Sauce becomes too dry or watery. Fix: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute.
5. Adding the Cream Too Early
Mistake: Heavy cream added too soon may curdle. Fix: Stir in heavy cream at the end over low heat for a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Over-Spicing the Dish
Mistake: Adding too much buffalo sauce without balancing flavors. Fix: Start with ¾ cup buffalo sauce, taste, and adjust. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
8 Perfect Side Dish Pairings
While One-Pot Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Penne is filling on its own, these side dishes will complement the creamy, spicy flavors and round out the meal!
1. Classic Caesar Salad
A cool, crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing balances out the rich, spicy pasta.
2. Garlic Bread
Nothing beats buttery, garlicky toasted bread to soak up the extra creamy buffalo sauce.
3. Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip with Fresh Veggies
A plate of celery, carrots, and cucumber slices with ranch or blue cheese dip makes a great refreshing side.
4. Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts
The slight bitterness of roasted greens complements the spicy, creamy pasta beautifully.
5. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Crispy-skinned baked potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and bacon are a comforting side for pasta night.
6. Sweet Cornbread Muffins
The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread muffins balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
7. Sautéed Mushrooms
Savory garlic butter mushrooms add an umami depth that pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta.
8. Avocado & Tomato Salad
A light, fresh avocado and cherry tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a cool contrast to the heat of the dish.
Storage, Reheating & FAQs
Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious One-Pot Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Penne, let’s talk about how to store leftovers properly, reheat them for the best texture, and answer common questions about this dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you’ll want to keep them fresh and flavorful for the next meal. Here’s how:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months (best without cheese; add cheese when reheating).
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
Pasta tends to dry out when reheated. Follow these pro tips to keep it creamy and delicious!
Microwave Method (Best for Quick Reheating)
- Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or heavy cream to keep it from drying out.
- Cover with a damp paper towel (this prevents it from becoming rubbery).
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until warm.
Stovetop Method (Best for Preserving Texture)
- Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the pasta and a splash of chicken broth or milk.
- Stir gently until heated through and creamy again.
Oven Method (Best for Larger Portions)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pasta in an oven-safe dish and add a few tablespoons of liquid (broth, milk, or cream).
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Pro Tips for Freezing & Thawing
If freezing, avoid adding cheese before storing—add it when reheating for a fresher taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Reheat over low heat and stir often to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, rigatoni, shells, or even spaghetti all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
How do I make this dish less spicy?
If you want a milder version, try these tweaks:
- Use ½ cup buffalo sauce instead of 1 cup.
- Mix in more heavy cream to balance the heat.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool it down.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Simply shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in Step 3, when you simmer the buffalo sauce and broth.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
- Cheddar cheese (classic, sharp flavor).
- Monterey Jack (smooth melting, mild taste).
- Mozzarella (super melty, slightly stretchy).
- Colby Jack (mild, creamy, great for kids).
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta and make sure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
- Stir in cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Add black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
- Mix in extra shredded chicken or grilled shrimp.
Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of buffalo sauce, try:
- BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Alfredo sauce for a super creamy pasta.
- Chipotle sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Penne is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a game day treat, or meal prep, it’s sure to be a hit!
