Cheesy Skillet Creamy Dream

This creamy skillet recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, pasta, and a rich, savory buffalo cheese sauce all cooked in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen or washing multiple dishes.

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 goto recipe I rely on regularly.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: extra virgin preferred, for the best flavor and to gently sauté the chicken
• Cooked shredded chicken: rotisserie works perfectly to keep things quick and flavorful
• Garlic powder: adds subtle allium warmth without overpowering the dish
• Salt and pepper: adjust to your taste to enhance all the flavors
• Chicken broth: enriches the sauce and helps cook the pasta evenly
• Heavy cream: provides richness and smoothness that makes the dish luxuriously creamy
• Buffalo sauce: brings tang and a touch of heat choose one with a good balance of vinegar and spice
• Uncooked pasta: like rotini penne or cavatappi work well because their shapes hold onto the sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness that cuts through the creaminess with depth
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully giving a gooey stretchy texture
• Softened cream cheese: thickens the sauce and makes it ultra creamy and silky
• Chopped green onions or parsley: add fresh color and mild onion flavor to brighten it up

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken and Spices:

Heat the olive oil in a large heavybottomed skillet over medium heat so it warms gently. Add shredded chicken along with garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and well combined which allows the chicken to absorb the seasonings fully.

Simmer with Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth heavy cream buffalo sauce and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t 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 continuously until all the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes a creamy smooth luscious coating for every bite. This is the indulgent heart of the dish.

Final Seasoning and Garnish:

Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the chopped green onions or parsley on top to add a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its cheesy creamy best.

The cream cheese is my favorite ingredient 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 stopped by unexpectedly and they kept asking for the recipe because it felt like the ultimate cozy comfort food you crave 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 splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens after cooling. The cream cheese and heavy cream can cause the sauce to thicken but it stirs back nicely with a bit of heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cooked shredded chicken can be swapped for rotisserie or leftover turkey if you want a twist. Use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce but expect slightly less richness. If you don’t have buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with melted butter for a similar flavor. Any short pasta that cooks well in liquid works if you don’t have rotini penne or cavatappi.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this skillet with a simple green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are great for sopping up every last bit of sauce. A cold beer or lemonade balances the heat from the buffalo sauce beautifully.

This creamy buffalo chicken skillet is a fast comforting weeknight meal that comes together in one pan. Serve immediately for best texture and enjoy.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Medium-shaped pastas like rotini, penne, or cavatappi are ideal as they 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 the amount to intensify the spice.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet?

Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure there's enough liquid from chicken broth and cream for gentle, even cooking.

→ What are good garnishes for this meal?

Chopped green onions or fresh parsley add a fresh, herbaceous note and a vibrant pop of color to the creamy dish.

→ Can I use raw chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?

Pre-cooked shredded chicken speeds up preparation, but you can brown raw chicken pieces first before adding liquids and pasta, adjusting cook time as needed.