Creamy Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
A comforting one-pot meal combining spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese, tender chicken, pasta, and vibrant broccoli for a flavorful and easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
12 oz pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add cooked chicken, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add pasta and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is tender and sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more buffalo sauce if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spice level.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for varied flavors.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding milk or broth to loosen sauce.
- Use softened cream cheese and stir well to prevent sauce separation.
- Dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though texture may change.
- Serve with green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Kid-friendly with mild spice; adjust buffalo sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
