Cheesy Skillet Creamy Dream

This cheesy skillet creamy dream combines tender shredded chicken with pasta simmered in a savory blend of buffalo sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. As the pasta cooks, sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and luscious cream cheese melt together to create a rich sauce that clings to every bite. Garlic powder and fresh green onions bring subtle warmth and brightness. Made in one pan, this dish comes together quickly and makes a perfect cozy dinner on busy nights.

I first made this after a long hectic day and my whole family begged me to make it again soon. Since then it has become a goto recipe I rely on regularly.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: use extra virgin for best flavor and gentle sautéing of the chicken
• Cooked shredded chicken: pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie works great to keep this dish quick
• Garlic powder: adds subtle allium flavor without overpowering the dish
• Salt and pepper: adjust to taste to enhance all the flavors
• Chicken broth: enriches the sauce and keeps the pasta moist while cooking
• Heavy cream: provides richness and smoothness making the sauce luxurious
• Buffalo sauce: the star for tang and heat choose one balanced in vinegar and spice
• Uncooked pasta: shapes like rotini penne or cavatappi hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness to balance the creaminess and depth
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and gives that stretchy texture
• Cream cheese: softened thickens and makes the sauce ultra creamy
• Chopped green onions or parsley: for garnish add fresh color and a mild onion flavor

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken and Spices:

Heat the olive oil in a large heavybottomed skillet over medium heat until warm. Add the shredded chicken along with garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about two to three minutes until fragrant and combined. This allows the chicken to absorb the seasoning and builds a flavor base for the sauce.

Simmer with Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth heavy cream buffalo sauce and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle boil and then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

Incorporate the Cheeses:

Turn the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese mozzarella cheese and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. This step is what transforms the dish into a rich and cheesy indulgence.

Final Seasoning and Garnish:

Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Sprinkle the chopped green onions or parsley on top for a pop of fresh color and mild onion flavor just before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the fullest cheesy experience.

Cream cheese is my favorite because it ties all the ingredients together into a silky smooth sauce that isn’t too heavy. I fondly recall a weekend when a friend dropped by unexpectedly and kept asking for the recipe because it felt like the ultimate cozy comfort food on a chilly evening.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating gently warm on the stove adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as it thickens when chilled. Stir well while reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cooked shredded chicken can be swapped with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for variety. Use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce but expect less richness. If buffalo sauce is not on hand try mixing hot sauce with melted butter to mimic the flavor. Any short pasta shape that cooks well in liquid will work well if you don’t have rotini penne or cavatappi.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for sopping up every cheesy bite. For drinks a cold beer or lemonade complements the spicy buffalo notes beautifully.

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive leftovers.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Medium-shaped pastas such as rotini, penne, or cavatappi are ideal as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Yes, you can control the heat by using more or less buffalo sauce to suit your preference.

→ How can I prevent the pasta from sticking in the skillet?

Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure there's enough liquid from the broth and cream to cook the pasta gently without drying out.

→ What garnishes complement this dish best?

Chopped green onions or fresh parsley add a fresh, herbaceous note and bright color to the creamy skillet.

→ Is it possible to use raw chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?

This dish uses pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience, but you can brown raw chicken pieces first and adjust cooking time accordingly.