Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet
Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet is a delicious and comforting meal to make any night of the week. Made with ground chicken, spices, buffalo sauce, salsa verde and pasta shells. This one-pot meal will become a household fav.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, hearty meals, and quick weeknight dinners, the Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet is about to become your new favorite dish. This recipe combines the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the comforting heartiness of chili and pasta, all in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this fusion dish is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Skillet Wonder: No one loves a sink full of dishes. This recipe keeps the cleanup minimal by using just one skillet for everything.
Bold, Comforting Flavors: The rich combination of buffalo sauce, tender chicken, spices, and pasta ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Customizable: Whether you prefer it extra spicy, creamy, or loaded with toppings, this dish is versatile enough to suit any taste.
How to Serve
This skillet meal is best enjoyed straight from the pan, topped with your favorite garnishes. Think sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra indulgence. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something warm and comforting, this Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet hits all the right notes. It’s filling, flavorful, and so satisfying. In case you need some more one-skillet inspiration try these family favorites: One-Skillet Meatballs, One-Skillet Curry Steak, or Skillet Roasted Ranch Chicken.
Ingredients Used to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet
Making dinner shouldn’t feel overwhelming which is why I love the simplicity of this one-skillet dish. You’ll need the following ingredients below to make this delicious meal:
- Ground chicken
- Yellow onion
- Green pepper
- Dried parsley
- Dried chives
- Dried dill
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Buffalo sauce
- Salsa verde
- Pasta shells
- Mexican Shredded Cheese
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet
The beauty of skillet meals is that it comes together quickly and tastes incredible. Follow the steps below to ensure success:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet preheated to medium-high heat, add the olive oil, onion, green bell pepper, kosher salt and pepper. Saute the veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes or until softened. Next, add in the ground chicken and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine for about one minute. Pour in ½ cup water and bring to a simmer. Add in the buffalo sauce, salsa verde and reserved shells. Give everything a big toss to making sure its all well combined. Top with shredded cheese and cook for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley, scallions, sour cream, or ranch!
Variations for Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet
Options are always ideal when it comes to cooking. Below are few ways to customize this pasta meal:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use plant-based protein crumbles for added texture.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for an extra luscious texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love extra heat.
- Make it a Soup: Add more chicken broth or cream to transform this into a hearty soup.
Proper Storing
Properly storing Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet ensures it stays fresh and safe to eat. Follow these steps:
Refrigeration
Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature and transfer pasta to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume the dish within 3–4 days for the best quality.
Freezing
For longer storage, transfer the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta has dried out.
Buffalo Chicken Chili Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- 2 tsp Dried parsley
- 2 tsp Dried chives
- 1 tsp Dried dill
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup Salsa verde
- 1/2 lb Pasta shells
- 2 cups Shredded Mexican cheese
- For garnish: parsley, scallions, sour cream, or ranch!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet preheated to medium-high heat, add the olive oil, onion, green bell pepper, kosher salt and pepper. Saute the veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes or until softened. Next, add in the ground chicken and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine for about one minute. Pour in ½ cup water and bring to a simmer. Add in the buffalo sauce, salsa verde and reserved shells. Give everything a big toss to making sure its all well combined. Top with shredded cheese and cook for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. parsley, scallions, sour cream, or ranch!
- Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley, scallions, sour cream, or ranch!
