One-Pot Honey Butter Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What happens when spicy buffalo chicken meets creamy honey butter and gooey mozzarella—all in one pot? Pure magic.

Here’s why this recipe will be your next weeknight favorite:

– Quick and easy: One pot means minimal dishes and fewer steps.
– Big flavor: The duo of buffalo sauce and honey butter hits that perfect balance of bold and sweet.
– Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this pasta gets cheers all around.
– Cheesy goodness: Lots of melted mozzarella gives a satisfying pull with every bite.
– Versatile: Use your favorite pasta, adjust the spice level, or throw in veggies—you’re the boss here.

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This one-pot wonder brings together all the flavor and cozy vibes with none of the fuss.

Essential Tools and Equipment

No fancy gadgets necessary! Just a few kitchen basics:

Large deep skillet or sauté pan – at least 12-inch, preferably with a lid
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring without scratching your pot
Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy helps with flavor balance
Chef’s knife – to dice your chicken evenly
Cutting board
Grater (optional) – for fresh mozzarella or Parmesan

Preparation Tips

Want to breeze through this recipe like a pro? Here are a few prep hacks:

Cube your chicken evenly: This ensures even cooking and a better sear. Aim for 1-inch pieces.
Use pre-shredded mozzarella if you’re short on time—though fresh mozzarella melts better!
Set all ingredients out beforehand: Cooking goes more smoothly when you’re not scrambling to find ingredients.
Adjust spice to taste: Start with less buffalo sauce and work your way up if you’re heat-sensitive.
Meal prep tip: Chicken can be cubed and marinated a few hours ahead to deepen flavor.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty, cheesy pasta dish. Simple pantry staples that come together like magic:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
½ cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce (or your preferred brand)
2½ cups chicken broth
8 oz penne pasta or other short pasta (uncooked)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional but adds great depth)
Fresh parsley or green onion (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

All it takes is one big skillet and about 30 minutes of your time.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes.
Push the chicken to the edge of the pan. In the center, melt the butter, then stir in the honey and buffalo sauce. Mix everything together until chicken is coated.
Pour in the chicken broth and uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine. Bring it to a low boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan (if using). Continue cooking uncovered for 1–2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy.
Remove from heat. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Top with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness.

Your one-pot buffalo chicken pasta is ready to serve and swoon over!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy recipes can trip you up—avoid these missteps:

Overcooking the chicken: Dice evenly and remove from heat as soon as cooked through. Dry chicken = no fun.
Adding the cheese too early: Stir it in at the end so it melts smoothly. Otherwise, you’ll get separation or clumping.
Not stirring the pasta: Give it a stir halfway through simmering to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
Using too much buffalo sauce: Start with half, taste, and add more based on your spice preference.

Best Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with buffalo chicken pasta? Try one of these mouthwatering companions:

Crisp garden salad: A light salad with ranch dressing balances the spicy-creamy pasta perfectly.
Garlic bread: Dunk a slice in that cheesy sauce. No regrets.
Roasted broccoli: Simple & healthy, plus the bitterness of broccoli cuts through the richness of the dish.
Blue cheese slaw: For a game-day vibe, add a creamy tangy slaw on the side.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to take your one-pot buffalo chicken pasta to the next level? Try these pro tips:

Don’t skip the honey: It tames the heat and adds depth. Think sweet heat!
Want smokier heat? Try chipotle hot sauce or smoked paprika along with buffalo sauce.
Prefer a lighter version? Use Greek yogurt or light cream cheese instead of some of the mozzarella.
Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use veggie broth instead.
For more texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Make extra? Awesome—you’ll want leftovers of this one.

To store: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Though best freshly made, you can freeze this for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in a covered bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely! Just cut it into chunks and skip the sautéing step. Add it when you stir in the buffalo sauce.

Is this pasta spicy?

It has a kick, but the honey and cheese balance it out nicely. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your heat tolerance.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Of course! Penne holds sauce well, but any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or shells will work.

What can I use if I don’t have mozzarella?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pizza blend all melt beautifully and add their own flavor spin.

Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store it properly and freshen up with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors, creamy textures, and one-skillet ease, this One-Pot Honey Butter Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Mozzarella will be your new go-to.

It’s the kind of meal that hits all the happy notes—comforting, spicy, a bit sweet, super cheesy, and SO satisfying. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze.

So why not give it a whirl tonight? Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or impressing some friends, this dish delivers.

Have you made this recipe? Leave a comment below and share your experience—or tag us on Instagram with a photo of your cheesy pasta masterpiece. We’d love to see it on your table!

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Want more easy dinner ideas? Check out our Easy One-Pot Meals Collection for more comforting favorites.

Happy cooking ❤️