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This cheesy skillet creamy dream brings together tender shredded chicken, pasta, tangy buffalo sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses all cooked in one pan. It’s a perfect dinner for busy nights when you want something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor without too much fuss.
I first made this on a hectic evening after a long day of work, and the whole family begged me to make it again soon. It has since become a go-to recipe I rely on regularly.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: use extra virgin for the best flavor and to sauté the chicken gently
- Cooked shredded chicken: pre-cooked chicken makes this simple and speedy rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
- Garlic powder: adds a subtle allium flavor without overpowering the dish
- Salt and pepper: adjust to your taste to bring out the flavors
- Chicken broth: enriches the sauce and keeps the pasta moist while cooking
- Heavy cream: provides richness and smoothness to the sauce making it luxuriously creamy
- Buffalo sauce: the star for tang and a touch of heat choose one with a good balance of vinegar and spice
- Uncooked pasta: such as rotini, penne, or cavatappi these shapes hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet
- Shredded cheddar cheese: sharpness that cuts through the creaminess and adds depth
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and gives that gooey stretchy texture
- Cream cheese softened: helps thicken the sauce and makes it ultra creamy
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish: adds a fresh color and a mild onion flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken and Spices:
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat to warm it through. Add the shredded chicken along with garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until everything is fragrant and combined which helps the chicken absorb the seasonings.
- Simmer with Liquids and Pasta:
- Add the chicken broth heavy cream buffalo sauce and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Bring it all to a gentle boil then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom.
- Incorporate the Cheeses:
- Turn the heat to low and mix in the cheddar cheese mozzarella cheese and softened cream cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy smooth. This step is what makes the dish indulgently luscious and cheesy.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish:
- Taste the sauce and adjust any salt or pepper as needed. Sprinkle the chopped green onions or parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving. Serve immediately for the best cheesy experience.
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The cream cheese is my favorite ingredient here because it binds everything together giving a silky finish that isn't just heavy but perfectly balanced. I remember serving this on a casual weekend when a friend popped over spontaneously and they kept asking for the recipe because it felt like the ultimate cozy comfort food you want on a chilly evening.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Because of the cream cheese and heavy cream the texture can thicken upon cooling but stirs back nicely with some heat.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cooked shredded chicken for rotisserie or even leftover turkey to switch it up. Use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream but expect a slightly lighter sauce. For the buffalo sauce try a mix of hot sauce and melted butter if you do not have a bottle ready. Any short pasta shape that cooks well in liquid will work if you don’t have rotini penne or cavatappi.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also work great for sopping up every last bit of sauce. A cold beer or lemonade balances the heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly.
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Cultural Context
Buffalo sauce originates from Buffalo New York and is famous for its balance of spicy vinegar flavors with butter. Combining it with creamy cheeses in this skillet draws inspiration from American comfort food classics where creamy heat meets cheesy noodles. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people feel at home with its bold but approachable flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Medium-shaped pastas like rotini, penne, or cavatappi hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, the buffalo sauce controls the heat. Use less for a milder flavor or increase to intensify the spice.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet?
Stir occasionally during simmering, and make sure there’s enough liquid from broth and cream to cook the pasta gently without drying out.
- → What are good garnishes for this meal?
Chopped green onions or fresh parsley add a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the creamy dish.
- → Can I use raw chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
This version uses pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience, but you could brown raw chicken pieces first before adding liquids and pasta, adjusting cook time accordingly.