Cheesy Skillet Dream

This speedy skillet meal brings together juicy shredded chicken tender pasta and a creamy blend of buffalo sauce and cheeses for rich tangy flavor in every bite. It is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner all in under 30 minutes

I made this skillet dish last minute when we were low on groceries and it instantly became a family favorite. Now we look forward to buffalo night whenever we need something both fast and cozy

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: brings out flavor and prevents sticking choose good quality extra virgin for the best taste
• 1 pound cooked shredded chicken: saves time and soaks up the sauce easily use rotisserie or leftovers for extra flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: infuses savory depth a staple seasoning for creamy sauces
• Salt to taste: brings balance to the spiciness taste as you go for best results
• Black pepper to taste: brings balance to the spiciness taste as you go for best results
• 1 cup chicken broth: delivers subtle richness go for low sodium if you want more control
• 1 cup heavy cream: makes the sauce silky and smooth real cream is key for thickness
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: brings bold tangy flavor classic hot sauce brands work well
• 8 ounces uncooked pasta: rotini penne or cavatappi holds onto sauce best to choose shapes with ridges
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and melting power freshly shredded is best
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: provides gooey stretch go for whole milk mozzarella for best melt
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened: softens the bite and thickens everything let it come to room temp for easy mixing
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley: offer freshness and a pop of color choose vibrant green stalks or leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Skillet:

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat wait until the oil is shimmering so you build a good base

Sauté the Chicken:

Add shredded chicken along with garlic powder salt and pepper stir for two or three minutes letting the chicken warm through and allowing the aromatics to become fragrant

Add Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in chicken broth heavy cream and buffalo sauce followed by uncooked pasta stir to combine and make sure pasta is evenly spread

Simmer Pasta:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low cover with a lid and allow the pasta to cook for ten to twelve minutes stir every few minutes to help the pasta cook evenly and prevent sticking

Melt the Cheeses:

Lower the heat add cheddar mozzarella and cream cheese stir well and watch all the cheeses blend into a thick creamy sauce keep stirring until the sauce coats the pasta and chicken smoothly

Check and Adjust:

Taste your skillet to decide if you want more salt or pepper depending on the buffalo sauce you may prefer extra seasoning

Garnish and Serve:

Top with freshly chopped green onions or parsley serve directly from the skillet while hot and cheesy

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Cheddar is my secret ingredient in this skillet because it brings deep flavor and really ties everything together. The first time I made this my youngest got to sprinkle cheddar on top and now helping out is her favorite part of dinner

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator for best reheating results add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge avoid microwaving for too long to keep the cheese from separating

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version use roasted cauliflower or cooked chickpeas instead of chicken you can swap rotini for any sturdy pasta shape you have on hand use a mild salsa or regular hot sauce if buffalo sauce is too spicy for your taste feel free to try Monterey Jack or Gouda cheese for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten things up homemade garlic bread works wonders for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce if you want extra heat sprinkle a little extra buffalo sauce before serving

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Cultural Context

This skillet dinner takes its inspiration from classic American buffalo chicken flavors usually found in wing shops and sports bars by turning those iconic flavors into a creamy pasta dish you get a family-friendly meal that is a far cry from your usual casserole without sacrificing any of the fun

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can swap chicken for turkey, rotisserie leftovers, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ What pasta shapes work best in this skillet?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or cavatappi hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Use less buffalo sauce for mild flavor or add extra hot sauce or chili flakes for more heat.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated with a splash of broth or cream.

→ What garnishes work well with this dish?

Fresh green onions or parsley add brightness and a pop of color to the creamy skillet.

→ Do I need freshly grated cheese?

Yes, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.