Description
A spicy and creamy pasta dish with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb)
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 stalk 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
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional, for a smooth finish)
Instructions
- Place chicken in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 minutes until fully cooked. Shred using two forks. Toss with blue cheese dressing and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then add pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover and cook 10–13 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low. Add buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and shredded cheeses. Gently stir until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in shredded chicken and red pepper flakes.
- For a silky sauce, swirl in 2 tablespoons cold butter once sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use slightly less than 1 lb pasta if you want extra sauce.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to melt smoothly.
- Boil chicken gently to prevent toughness.
- Shredding your own cheese gives a creamier result than pre-shredded bagged cheese.
- Ranch dressing can be substituted for blue cheese if preferred.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 758 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1882 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Pasta, Chicken, Comfort Food