Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Stovetop Comfort Food
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese. Crafted entirely on the stovetop, this dish combines the rich creaminess of classic macaroni and cheese with the bold, tangy, and spicy kick of buffalo chicken. Featuring a delectable sauce made with sharp cheddar, cooling ranch, and savory blue cheese, it’s a fast, satisfying, and utterly delicious comfort food dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
This creamy stovetop buffalo chicken mac and cheese offers a cozy yet bold twist on a classic weeknight favorite. Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta, each tube generously coated in a smooth, velvety white sauce. This isn’t just any sauce – it’s spiked with a balanced blend of tangy hot sauce, cooling ranch dressing, sharp cheddar, and pungent crumbled blue cheese, creating that unmistakable buffalo flavor profile. Once you add tender, cooked chicken, the entire dish transforms into a hearty, satisfying meal, ready to be devoured in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave something comforting, quick, and bursting with exciting flavors.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful flavor combination. The sharp cheddar provides a robust cheesy base, while the ranch dressing introduces a creamy, zesty, and slightly herby note that beautifully mellows the heat. The crumbled blue cheese adds that characteristic tangy, pungent kick that is synonymous with authentic buffalo sauce, elevating the dish from ordinary mac and cheese to a gourmet experience. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, making it an excellent way to utilize leftover chicken or a convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken. Plus, the entire dish cleverly comes together in just one pot (after the pasta is boiled separately), minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. Serve it warm, perhaps with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh green onions or an extra dusting of blue cheese crumbles for an added touch of indulgence.
If you’re a fan of the bold and zesty flavors of buffalo recipes, be sure to explore more of our favorites. You might love our buffalo turkey meatballs for a lighter protein option, or our buffalo chicken thighs for another main course idea. For those who appreciate the foundational dish, our stovetop white cheddar mac offers a classic, creamy experience. To complete your meal, pair this incredible buffalo chicken mac and cheese with crusty garlic bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce, or fresh, crisp carrot sticks and celery sticks to cool your palate and add a refreshing crunch.
Recipe Highlights: Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary convenience packed with flavor. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- 30-minute meal: This recipe is a true time-saver, taking approximately 25 minutes from the moment you start cooking to when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table without hours of effort.
- Simple ingredients: You’ll appreciate that this dish relies on readily available pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. No exotic or hard-to-find items are needed, making it a stress-free cooking experience.
- Easy recipe: Even novice cooks can master this family favorite. It’s a straightforward stovetop recipe that avoids complicated techniques, focusing instead on building layers of incredible flavor with minimal fuss.
- Bold, Comforting Flavor: It perfectly balances the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of mac and cheese, creating a deeply satisfying dish that appeals to almost everyone.
- One-Pot Sauce: Aside from boiling the pasta, the entire delicious cheese sauce comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this recipe, and get ready to impress your taste buds with minimal effort!
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Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Crafting this flavorful buffalo chicken mac and cheese requires a balanced selection of ingredients that work together to create its signature taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role:
- Penne pasta: This tube-shaped pasta is ideal for thick, creamy sauces like our buffalo cheese sauce. Its ridges and hollow center effectively trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is rich with flavor. You want pasta that stands up to the sauce without getting mushy.
- Cooked chicken breast: Diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for a lean protein, but you can also use breaded chicken for added texture, or shredded rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. Pre-cooked chicken dramatically cuts down on prep time.
- Hot sauce: We recommend Frank’s RedHot Original or Original Louisiana Hot Sauce. It’s crucial to use a classic vinegar-based hot sauce, NOT buffalo wing sauce, as wing sauce often contains butter and other emulsifiers that can alter the texture of your mac and cheese sauce.
- Salted butter: The foundation of our creamy roux, butter provides richness and enhances the overall taste and smooth texture of the cheese sauce. Using salted butter adds a foundational layer of seasoning.
- All-purpose flour: This is used to create a roux with the butter, which is essential for thickening the sauce and giving it a luxurious, velvety consistency without relying on cornstarch or other thickeners.
- Whole milk: Whole milk serves as the liquid base for the cheesy sauce, contributing to its creamy texture and richness. Its higher fat content helps create a more decadent and stable sauce.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder adds a subtle aromatic depth, enhancing the savory profile of the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and balancing the flavors within the cheese sauce, making every ingredient pop.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of mild spice and warmth, complementing the hot sauce and other seasonings.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is key for its robust flavor and excellent melting properties. For the creamiest texture, skip pre-shredded cheese and opt for freshly shredded cheddar, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Ranch dressing: This creamy, tangy, and zesty prepared ranch dressing is vital for balancing the heat of the hot sauce and introducing a familiar, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo chicken.
- Crumbled blue cheese: A crucial component for that authentic buffalo flavor, blue cheese adds a distinctive tanginess and pungent depth that complements the hot sauce beautifully, giving the mac and cheese a gourmet edge.
- Green onions: Used primarily as an optional garnish, sliced green onions add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant pop of color, enhancing the presentation and adding a fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities and precise measurements to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Stovetop Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creating this delicious and comforting buffalo chicken mac and cheese is straightforward. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal:
First, begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions. It’s important to cook it until it’s al dente – meaning firm to the bite – as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. This ensures your pasta maintains a pleasant texture and doesn’t become overcooked or mushy.
Meanwhile, as your pasta cooks, begin preparing the luscious cheese sauce. In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, add the all-purpose flour to it. Whisk continuously and vigorously to create a smooth roux. Cook this roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color and begins to bubble gently. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Once your roux is ready, slowly whisk the whole milk into the roux. Pour it in gradually while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. The goal is a perfectly smooth, velvety base for your cheese sauce. Continue to whisk until the mixture is fully incorporated and begins to thicken slightly.
Now, it’s time to infuse that signature buffalo flavor. Add the hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken further.
Once the sauce mixture is simmering gently, remove the pot from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the cheese from seizing or becoming oily. Immediately add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes incredibly smooth and creamy. The residual heat from the sauce will melt the cheese perfectly.
To finish the sauce, stir in the ranch dressing and the crumbled blue cheese. Mix them thoroughly until they are fully incorporated into the creamy sauce. The ranch will add a cooling, tangy layer, while the blue cheese will provide that iconic pungent and savory depth that truly defines buffalo flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Next, gently fold the cooked chicken into the buffalo cheese sauce. Stir carefully to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, spicy, and creamy sauce. This step allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors and ensures even distribution throughout the dish.
Finally, add the drained, cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the sauce and chicken. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of pasta and chicken is evenly coated with the rich, creamy buffalo cheese sauce. Serve immediately while warm. If desired, you can garnish with thinly sliced fresh green onions and an extra sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Your ultimate creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! This rich, spicy, and tangy dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. The vibrant flavors and creamy texture are sure to make it a new favorite in your household. Don’t forget to serve it warm to savor all its deliciousness.
Top Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Achieving the best results with your buffalo chicken mac and cheese is easier with a few expert tips. Pay attention to these details to ensure your dish is as creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured as possible:
- Mastering the Roux: The roux (a mixture of butter and flour) is the base of your creamy sauce, and patience is key. It needs to cook for a minute or two to eliminate the raw flour taste and ensure a smooth, velvety consistency. Don’t rush this step; allow the roux to achieve a light golden color and a gentle bubbling. When you add the milk, pour it in slowly while whisking continuously. This technique prevents lumps from forming and creates a silky, consistent sauce. Continue to stir frequently as the milk heats to prevent it from curdling, especially important with whole milk.
- Optimal Pasta Cooking: Do not overcook your pasta! The pasta will continue to cook slightly once it’s mixed with the hot cheese sauce, so aiming for al dente (firm to the bite) during the initial cooking phase is crucial. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its appealing texture, diminishing the overall quality of your mac and cheese. Always follow package directions but err on the side of slightly undercooked if you’re unsure.
- Customizing Spice Level: The amount of hot sauce you use directly impacts the spiciness of your dish. We recommend starting with the specified amount and then adjusting it based on your personal preference. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the initial amount of hot sauce by half and then gradually add more to taste. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to increase the hot sauce or even experiment with a spicier variety. Always taste and adjust as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make your cheese sauce grainy. For the creamiest, silkiest sauce, always shred your own block of sharp cheddar cheese. It melts more smoothly and integrates better into the roux, resulting in a superior texture.
Versatile Substitutions for Your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some smart substitutions to consider:
- Penne pasta: While penne is fantastic for its ability to hold thick sauces, you can certainly substitute it with any other short pasta shape. Excellent alternatives include rotini, shells, elbow macaroni, or even campanelle. Each will offer a slightly different texture, but all will work well with the creamy sauce.
- Chicken: The recipe calls for cooked chicken breast, which is a lean and versatile option. However, for an even richer flavor, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. If time is a factor, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a fantastic time-saver; simply shred or dice it. In a pinch, you can even use frozen chicken nuggets or buffalo chicken tenders, cooked according to their package directions, then chopped and added to the sauce for a quick fix.
- Hot sauce: Our base recommendation includes Frank’s RedHot Original and Louisiana Hot Sauce, both with a mild Scoville rating (around 450 SHUs). For a milder cheese sauce, we suggest starting with half the recommended hot sauce and tasting before adding more. If you crave a more intense spicy flavor, feel free to use extra buffalo sauce or try Texas Pete’s Original Hot Sauce, which clocks in at 740 SHUs for a noticeable but not overwhelming heat boost.
- Salted butter: If you prefer to have more precise control over the sodium content in your dish, unsalted butter is an excellent alternative. Just remember to adjust the amount of added salt to taste, as the overall seasoning will change.
- Whole milk: For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat milk, though it may result in a slightly less rich sauce. For an even more decadent and thicker sauce, evaporated milk or half-and-half are fantastic choices, as their higher fat content makes for an extra creamy béchamel sauce base.
- Sharp cheddar: While sharp cheddar offers a distinctive flavor, you can certainly experiment with other shredded cheeses. Mozzarella cheese will provide a milder, stretchier texture. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a creamy, buttery flavor. For an extra kick, consider pepper jack cheese, which will amplify the spicy notes of the buffalo sauce.
- Ranch dressing: If ranch isn’t available or you prefer a different profile, blue cheese dressing makes an excellent substitute. It will lean into the blue cheese flavor even more intensely, providing a very authentic buffalo taste.
- Blue cheese: Not everyone is a fan of the strong flavor of blue cheese. If you’re looking for alternatives that still provide a tangy or salty counterpoint, crumbled feta cheese offers a salty, briny kick. Goat cheese can provide a creamy, tangy, and slightly earthy flavor, while shredded Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, umami depth.
Complementary Sides and Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
To make your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese a complete and well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with sides that complement its rich, spicy, and tangy flavors. Classic pairings for buffalo dishes often include cooling and crunchy elements to balance the heat:
- Fresh Vegetables: Crisp carrot sticks and crunchy celery sticks are practically mandatory with any buffalo-flavored dish. They offer a refreshing coolness and a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy pasta.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing can cut through the richness of the mac and cheese, adding freshness and a healthy balance.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any lingering sauce and adds another layer of comfort food goodness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans offer a simple, healthy accompaniment without competing with the main dish’s bold flavors.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw can also provide a great textural and flavor contrast, similar to ranch dressing.
- Drinks: Consider pairing with a refreshing beer (lager or IPA), a crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc), or even a cold glass of milk to soothe the spice.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
You won’t need a lot of specialized kitchen tools to whip up this delicious buffalo chicken mac and cheese. Here’s a list of the basic equipment that will make your cooking process smooth and efficient:
- Large pot – Essential for boiling the pasta and then for preparing the cheese sauce, making it a true one-pot sauce (after pasta is cooked).
- Colander – Used to efficiently drain the cooked pasta, ensuring no excess water dilutes your rich sauce.
- Whisk – Crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free roux and thoroughly incorporating the milk and cheese into your sauce.
- Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring the pasta and sauce, as it won’t scratch your pot and allows for thorough mixing.
- Grater (Optional, but Recommended): If you opt for block cheese over pre-shredded, a box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment will be invaluable for achieving that perfectly smooth sauce.
Storing Your Leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious buffalo chicken mac and cheese for days to come. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and ready for reheating:
Always allow your pasta dinner to cool down to room temperature before storing. This typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container or a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Make sure to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn if you plan to freeze it. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. For optimal taste and safety, enjoy the leftovers within 3-4 days.
How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for Best Results
Reheating mac and cheese can sometimes be tricky, but with the right method, you can restore its creamy texture and delicious flavor. Here are a couple of recommended ways to reheat your buffalo chicken mac and cheese:
In the Oven (Recommended for Best Texture): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your pasta is not already in an oven-safe dish, transfer the desired portion into one. To prevent the pasta from drying out and to maintain its creaminess, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Heat the pasta in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through to the center. You can check by carefully inserting a fork into several places to ensure it’s hot all the way through. Be cautious when removing the dish from the oven, as it will be extremely hot. This method helps the sauce stay creamy and prevents the pasta from becoming rubbery.
In the Microwave (Fastest Method): For a quick reheat, transfer a single serving of the pasta to a microwave-safe dish. To help retain moisture and prevent splattering, cover the dish with a paper towel or a microwave-safe lid (leaving a vent). Heat the pasta on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Midway through the heating process, stir the pasta thoroughly to promote even heating and break up any clumps. Continue heating until it’s heated through. Remember to be careful when removing the dish from the microwave as it will be hot. Let it stand for a minute or two before eating to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating, especially in the microwave, can help restore some of the sauce’s original creaminess if it has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here are some common questions about making and serving this delicious buffalo chicken mac and cheese:
Buffalo chicken dishes are famously paired with refreshing sides that balance their bold, spicy flavors. Excellent choices include crisp carrot sticks and celery sticks, which provide a cooling crunch. Other great options are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, creamy coleslaw, steamed broccoli, or green beans. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
The name “buffalo chicken” originated in Buffalo, New York, specifically at the Anchor Bar in the 1960s. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the bar, needed a quick snack for her son and his friends, so she fried some chicken wings, tossed them in her special spicy sauce, and served them with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. The dish was an instant hit, and the “buffalo wing” was born, giving its name to the iconic flavor profile that has since been applied to various dishes, including our creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare some components ahead of time. You can cook and shred the chicken, shred the cheese, and even make the cheese sauce (without the blue cheese and ranch) a day in advance. Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, stir in the ranch and blue cheese, combine with freshly cooked pasta and chicken, and serve warm. This will help maintain the best texture and creaminess.
The spiciness of this buffalo chicken mac and cheese is adjustable to your preference. The recipe uses a moderate amount of classic hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), which provides a noticeable but not overwhelming kick. If you prefer a milder taste, start with half the recommended hot sauce and add more gradually. For those who love intense heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or opt for a spicier variety. The ranch dressing and blue cheese also help to temper the heat, creating a balanced flavor profile.
More Irresistible Buffalo-Inspired Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors of this buffalo chicken mac and cheese, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic buffalo recipes. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this beloved flavor profile:
- Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cottage Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Thighs
- Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Kelsey Smith
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
8 servings
Equipment
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Large pot
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Colander
-
Whisk
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Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken breast cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Meanwhile, in a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour to the butter and whisk to create a roux. Cook for a minute or two until the roux is golden and bubbling.
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Slowly whisk the milk into the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, stirring frequently.
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Once simmering, remove from the heat and add the cheddar cheese, stirring until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Stir in the ranch dressing and crumbled blue cheese and mix well.
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Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
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Add the cooked penne to the saucepan and stir to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. If desired, garnish with green onions and additional blue cheese (optional) and serve warm.
Notes
Storage: Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing. Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy the leftovers within 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the sauce separately and then make fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat it. Let the sauce cool completely. Transfer the sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. While the sauce is reheating, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 82mg
Sodium: 1026mg
Potassium: 432mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 633IU
Vitamin C: 12mg
Calcium: 319mg
Iron: 1mg
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Keyword:
chicken, hot sauce, pasta
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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a quick meal; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors that marries the best of classic comfort food with the exciting kick of buffalo sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, its simplicity and speed make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. The rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly coated pasta create a truly satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.