Everyone loves a one pot meal; even better, how about a one pot meal that features pasta and some added protein for a complete meal? This one pot skinny buffalo chicken pasta is creamy, full of flavor, and indulgent tasting. It’s a crowd pleaser of a dish, but is also lightened-up (although you’d never know it). Flavorful pasta is tossed with hot sauce, shredded cheddar, and cream cheese to create a decadent sauce. Juicy chicken breast bulks this pasta up for a complete meal the whole family will enjoy. Get this one pot skinny buffalo chicken pasta on your meal plan!
Making a one-pot meal
Everyone loves and appreciates a one-pot meal. And I am not talking a meal that uses one pot, and then a skillet, and a microwave, and the oven. I mean a true meal where everything is built in the same pot. There is something so satisfying about building a meal in one vessel. Not only does it make dinner easy to throw together (and quick) but it makes cleanup a breeze. It also makes a great make-ahead meal, since it can be reheated in the same pot you cooked it in. What always intimidated me about making one-pot pasta dishes was the ratio of liquid to pasta. I was always nervous to experiment with this kind of recipe, because I really didn’t know where to begin, and I didn’t want to ruin a box of perfectly good pasta! Hey, can you blame me? After some research I learned that the appropriate measurement of liquid to pasta in a one-pot meal is 1:2 (similar to that of rice). Simple enough! After learning that, I felt like the rest would be easy. I was right!
What will I need to make this one pot skinny buffalo chicken pasta?
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this recipe:
- onion
- shredded carrots
- garlic
- kosher salt
- olive oil spray
- pasta
- I used this shape from Barilla because it holds onto the sauce really well.
- reduced sodium chicken broth
- unsweetened cashew milk (or almond milk)
- This recipe is not dairy-free, but I use plant-based milk because they are low in calories while still providing that creamy taste and texture. You can use any milk of your choice.
- Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
- reduced fat cream cheese
- scallions
- cooked chicken breast
- I used two rotisserie chicken breasts.
How to make this one pot pasta dish
To make this pasta dish, start out with a big pot. I used a Dutch oven for this recipe, which was just perfect. If you don’t have one, no worries. Just use a large pot. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the shredded carrots. Add the onion and carrots to the pot with some olive oil spray and the kosher salt, and cook them over medium heat until they are tender and translucent. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it for another minute or so until fragrant.
Next, add the pasta, the chicken broth, and the milk. Stir the ingredients together and bring them to a boil. After the liquid boils, cover the pot and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes or until it is cooked and tender (to your liking). Once the pasta is cooked, uncover the pot and add in the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and hot sauce. Chop the chives and chicken breast, and add that in as well. Combine the ingredients well, and cook for another few minutes for all of the flavors to meld.
This recipe makes 8 servings, at a heaping 1.5 cups each. Top with extra scallions, shredded cheese, shredded carrots, buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese. The options are endless! Have fun with it!
How-To Video
Reheating this meal
As stated earlier, one pot meals make great make-ahead meals. But, let’s face it, after a meal sits for a while, it doesn’t taste as fresh as when you first made it. If you make this meal in advance, you will need to “bring it back to life” as I call it. To do this, I recommend storing the pasta in the same pot you cooked it in. In order to reheat this before serving, you’ll simply need to add more liquid to the pasta dish. To reheat the entire batch of pasta, start off with another 1/4 cup broth and 1/4 cup milk, and add it to the pasta. Reheat the pasta over medium heat. If you need more liquid, add more as you go. If you are reheating individual portions, scale back the extra liquid. This will add moisture to the dish, and it will take on the same consistency as when it was first made. This pasta can also be frozen. Portion out individual servings into freezer bags. When you are ready to reheat the pasta, you can defrost it in the microwave or stove top. Be sure to add extra liquid as needed, similar to as noted above.
One Pot Skinny Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- dutch oven or large pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup onion
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- olive oil spray
- 1 lb pasta, I used the Cellentani shape
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups unsweetened cashew milk, or almond milk
- 1/2 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
- 3 scallions
- 1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
- 3 oz reduced fat cream cheese
- 3 cups chicken breast, cooked, shredded or chopped (about 2 rotisserie chicken breasts)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Add olive oil spray to the bottom of a Dutch oven or large pot, and add the onion and shredded carrots. Season with the kosher salt.
- Cook the onion and carrots over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until tender. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the entire box of pasta to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and milk.
- Stir everything to combine, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to simmer.
- Simmer covered for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. There will still be some liquid left in the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the cheddar, cream cheese, and hot sauce.
- Chop the scallions and the chicken breast and add them in.
- Stir to combine all ingredients over a low flame to ensure all flavors combine thoroughly.
Notes
- 8 WW points (blue plan)
- 9 WW points (green plan)
- 3 WW points (purple plan, if you use whole wheat pasta)
Nutrition
You might also enjoy these one-pot meals: One Pot Orzo, Bacon and Asparagus One Pan Kielbasa Hash One Dish Chicken Fajita and Rice Bake
Alli says
I halved this recipe as I was just making it for my husband and I, but it was delicious! We did crush a few tortilla chips on top for a little crunch.
Irene says
This looks amazing, definitely trying this. Even better that it’s something that even my kids will like!
Noelle says
Just made this for dinner and my husband and I absolutely loved it!! This is definitely going in the rotation. Thank you!! 🙂
Brooke says
This is SO incredibly easy and delicious!
Jennifer says
Whole family loved this. Very convenient cooking it all in one pot. I used brown rice pasta because that is what I had on hand and it was still delicious.
Joy says
So delicious and easy!!
Marie says
So delicious and I’m all set for meal prep this week!
Alicia says
Wow! Delicious! Doesn’t taste “healthy” LOL perfect for meal prep for leftovers later or for lunches. So good!!!!
Danielle says
This was so good and is going to be perfect for dinner during this busy week. I forgot to buy cream cheese but I mixed in some nonfat Greek yogurt and it gave it a nice zip! Thank you again for another awesome recipe!
Melissa says
Wow I wish I could rate this one 100 stars. This recipe is SO good and is the perfect comfort food. I’m in the middle of moving and needed to use up some random odds and ends, so I made this dish. Let me tell you, it is PERFECT and something I look forward to every day, which keeps me from ordering takeout. I subbed laughing cow wedges for the cream cheese because I had some to use up, and wow wow wow, it’s amazing. I will absolutely make this again.
Keri says
Just made this for dinner. It’s so delicious and super easy. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser.
Brittany says
This was delicious! I love only having to use one pot. I will definitely be making this again!
Myra says
Because of personal preference I used 1% milk.
Casey says
This is delicious!! I halved the recipe and it was perfect!
Steph says
This was absolutely delicious!!!!!! Decadent and rich tasting— would never know this is a lightened up recipe.
Alyssa says
SO Good! SO Easy! Thank you for such a great weeknight meal and lunches for the rest of the week. Must try.
Brittany says
Absolutely delicious! So flavorful and simple! I will be making this one again and again.
Beth says
I tried this recipe today and it is so easy and tasty and even husband approved! Just enough heat and taste with the hot sauce, but not too much and such great flavor all around. I will definitely be making this again!
Rae says
Made this today and it was so good!!! Thank you!!!
Erika says
Made this for lunches this week and it’s soooo good! I just microwaved today, and it tasted as good as when I made it yesterday. But I plan to add broth and water if needed as the week goes on. My picky, doesn’t like “healthy” eating husband even approved!
Deb K says
This review is being made by a Buffalonian who was skeptical about making this BUT let me tell you this was da bomb!! So delicious and easy to make so if you haven’t made this yet WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! Thanks again Steph for another awesome recipe!
Ali says
Soo Good!
Jackie says
This dish was DELICIOUS! It was the right amount of spicy so that it was not overpowering but gave the pasta great taste. Thank you for sharing! This will definitely be in the regular rotation!
Traci Smith says
Quick, and Delicious! Will definitely make again and continue to share your website.
Candice says
One of the best meals I’ve ever made! Steph is amazing. Everything she makes is delicious!
Danni says
Delicious pasta dish. I made this gluten-free using GF rotini and dairy-free using violife brand cheddar cheese and cream cheese. I forgot to add the almond milk, which really didn’t matter. The recipe was still super creamy. I did notice I needed to add an extra cup of water to cook the pasta, since I omitted the 2 cups of milk. Next time, I would decrease the cream cheese from 1 cup to 3/4 cup, since dairy-free cheese tends to be creamier than dairy cheese. Overall, really wonderful recipe.
Lisa says
Was in the mood for something a little more hearty than the usual meal prep and WOW this was amazing. Loved it so much!
Shelby B says
This was the easiest and most delicious meal my entire family has had in awhile! Its a definite must repeat. Great for my family of 4 with leftovers!!
Donna says
Made this last night and it was terrific!
Kayla says
I love Steph’s recipes so much because they’re always “husband approved”! Mine has loved everything I have made from this food blog, and he’s never once realized they were skinny/lower calories. This buffalo chicken is the most recent recipe to pass the test! Such an easy recipe with such a flavorful and satisfying result. I can’t say enough good things about this recipe and Steph in general!!
Nicole says
This was SO delicious! Even my picky boyfriend had two huge bowls of this. Thank you for another amazing recipe!
Roseann says
This whole meal came together in no time, and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. My husband is not a fan of one pot pastas, but he actually requested I make this often since I like to make something different nearly every night. He had leftovers for lunches all week. I am not a huge fan of spice, but this has the perfect amount to make it not overwhelming.
Laura says
As a girl from Buffalo, Buffalo chicken everything is a staple for me and this is soooooo good! You would never know it is “skinny”. One pot makes cooking and clean up a breeze. Added bonus: the hidden veggies for my picky husband.
Thanks Steph – you nailed it!
Audrey Jimenez says
This is the best Buffalo Mac N Cheese I have tried. So creamy and easy to make! Thank you again Steph for another great recipe!!
Samantha Barbeler says
🙌🙌 I just made this and it was AMAZING!! I Didnt have any cream cheese in the fridge so I used sour cream. Im also not a fan of almond milk but trusted your process and it was delicious! I could not taste the almond milk at all and was just creamy and perfect! Because my partner is a vegetarian I was planning to give half the batch to my sister but after tasting it I portioned it out for freezer lunches- too good to share!!
Lisa says
Buffalo Mac & Cheese for the win! So easy to prepare and delic! Love the one pot idea!
Cyndi Barker says
Made for my family and they loved it. They love everything I make from you website. Thank you for sharing.
Rachel says
I mean wow. Just wow. This is amazing.
Joy says
SOOOO good! Halved it and made it for my meal prep this week and find myself counting down the minutes to lunchtime!
Lei says
Yum Yum Yum! This was so good. Hubby really liked it to and he can be hard to please with new recipes. My 4yo said it was too spicy (kinda knew that was gonna happen) but my 5yo inhaled it!!!
Ashely says
I made this for dinner tonight. It was so good and creamy! I have already recommended it to two people that are buffalo chicken lovers
Caroline says
Can you sub chicken broth for the milk.
Steph says
no, you need the milk for the creaminess
Allie says
Omg! I am trying to lose weight and I get to eat this?!?! I’m so excited about my lunches this week- this is sooo good!
Megan says
Absolutely amazing. Full of flavor and great texture with the carrots in there. Definitely recommend!
Darcy says
Amazing recipe, as usual. I was a little hesitant to make this one because sometimes Buffalo is a little too much for me but this was so creamy and delicious with just the right amount of heat. Your recipes are truly the BEST!
Erin says
Made this for dinner tonight. My husband asked me ‘why have you never made this before?’ He hates all things almond milk and he had no idea! We both loved it! Definitely will make this again!
Leann says
This is SO GOOD! I love that it’s quick and easy to make which makes it perfect for busy weeknights and it’s also delicious and filling! My husband loves it as well which means it’s now in our regular meal rotations. Thanks for another great recipe!
Bridget says
Amazing! I made this and the chicken broccoli rice one pot meal for the week and the are both wonderful. Easy peasy and I feel prepared for the week!
Kathryn says
I am going to give 4 stars just for the pasta texture. However I think this is just personal preference. I would make the pasta separately and add, as the rest of the flavors are delicious.
Renee says
Made this last week and the family loved it! Must try if you like buffalo flavor!
Julie Paretti says
This is definitely a keeper!! Soooo good and easy in one pot. My family ate it for dinner, ate a little leftover for a couple lunches and still was able to put 4 servings in the freezer for future use. Will definitely make this again.
Lindsey says
This recipe was perfect for football! The perfect amount of kick. I have yet to make a recipe from you my entire family hadn’t loved. Thank you and please keep sharing!
Kate says
Made for meal prep lunches for the week – delicious!!
Codi says
So good! I browned chopped chicken cubes in a pan with seasoning and added a packet of hidden valley ranch seasoning and the whole family loved it! Thank you for all the amazing recipes you provide us!
Kari says
So glad I finally made this! I did a half batch and it turned out great!
Elizabeth says
One of my favs!!! Great for meal prep!!
Bianca says
This was seriously so good! Served it with a side salad of spring mix and blue cheese dressing for the full buffalo chicken experience!
Mindy says
This is delicious! I used skim milk as this was what I had on hand. I was wondering how does it freeze?
Jen says
So easy to make and the flavors were awesome!!!
JJ says
Weekly staple at our house.
Allie says
Another one pot meal knocked out of the park!
Jennifer says
So good!! Made this for dinner tonight, used half the amount of hot sauce so my daughter would eat it…she loved it too
Dena Miller says
I made this tonight and it’s delicious! Even better that it is a one pot meal!
Tanaysha says
This is amazing!!!!!!!! I’ve now got lunch for the test of the week, perfect meal prep!
Sharon says
Thank you for your recipes .. I’m so excited to try tasty WW point plus dishes ..
Jan says
This was delicious! Easy, quick and a crowd pleaser!
Allie says
I made this for my lunch meal prep, and OMG! It is amazing! I think I ate an entire serving straight out of the pot. I will be working this into my normal rotation.
Grace says
I’ve made this twice as lunch prep for my husband for work. Last time I made it, my kids asked when we could have it for dinner. Since then I’ve made it for dinner a couple times as well. It’s so well-received and easy. The melding of flavors is perfect!
Natalie Cox says
This is such a staple in our house! It’s delicious fresh and reheated. It’s comforting, and it’s all of our favorite Buffalo chicken dip flavors. I 10/10 recommend this recipe!
Satahi says
I am 7 weeks postpartum and I’ve been really struggling juggling my 3 year old and my newborn. I was about to stop by a drive thru to get some lunch but my baby was screaming his head off so I decided to come home. I was starving and looking through my kitchen to see what I can quickly eat when I remembered I had frozen my last serving of this pasta. I made it when I was pregnant and completely forgot. I reheated it in the microwave with a bit of almond milk and extra buffalo sauce and it was SO good. Just what I needed! Thanks Steph for this recipe. This is a must try!!!
Joe says
Excellent recipe! We ate it all in one sitting 😀
Dunbar says
I doubled this recipe and modified it to make it a high protein meal prep cutting meal. Absolutely phenomenal, and the one pot makes it so much easier than when I’m using a million pans for bland chicken and vegetables. Thank you for laying out the ground work.
Leslie says
This recipe is amazing!
Megan Davis says
This is so, so good! Next time I think I’ll add some celery too. But there will definitely be a next time!