Cheesy Skillet Creamy Dream

This creamy skillet recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, pasta, and a savory blend of buffalo sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Melted cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese create a luscious sauce that beautifully coats every bite. Garlic powder and green onions add subtle warmth and freshness. It’s an easy onepan meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.

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 go to recipe I rely on regularly.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: helps sauté the chicken gently and adds a subtle fruitiness—choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Cooked shredded chicken: saves time and offers a perfect texture, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here
• Garlic powder: gives a gentle allium flavor without overpowering other ingredients
• Salt and pepper: adjust to your taste, enhancing all the flavors naturally
• Chicken broth: enriches the sauce and keeps the pasta moist while it cooks
• Heavy cream: provides richness and smoothness, creating a silky sauce
• Buffalo sauce: offers tang and a touch of heat, choose one with a good balance of vinegar and spice for the best result
• Uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or cavatappi): cooks evenly in the skillet and holds sauce well
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness that cuts through creaminess and gives depth
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts well, delivering that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves
• Cream cheese, softened: thickens the sauce and delivers extra creaminess making the dish indulgent
• Chopped green onions or parsley: add fresh color and a mild onion flavor for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken and Spices:

Heat olive oil in a large heavybottomed skillet over medium heat until warm but not smoking. Add shredded chicken along with garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about two to three minutes until the chicken warms through and the spices are fragrant. This step allows the chicken to absorb the seasoning and builds the flavor base for the dish.

Simmer with Liquids and Pasta:

Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and uncooked pasta right into the same skillet. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. This slow simmer lets the pasta soak up all the flavors while softening perfectly.

Incorporate the Cheeses:

Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until all the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy mixture. This step transforms the sauce into a rich and luscious coating that clings to the pasta and chicken. The cream cheese adds body and silkiness to the sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

Final Seasoning and Garnish:

Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy goodness at its best.

A skillet with a cheesy, creamy, and dreamy dish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating gently warm on the stove using a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. The creamy base may thicken when cooled but stirs back to smoothness with gentle heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cooked shredded chicken for rotisserie or even leftover turkey to switch things up. Half and half or whole milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce but it will be less rich. If you do not have buffalo sauce ready mix hot sauce with melted butter to mimic the flavor. Almost any short pasta shape that cooks evenly in liquid will work well here.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette which helps balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls absorb that extra sauce in a delicious way. A cold beer or lemonade complements the spicy tang from the buffalo sauce.

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor. It’s a comforting weeknight winner the whole family enjoys.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Medium-shaped pastas like rotini, penne, or cavatappi 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 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 broth and cream to cook the pasta gently without drying out.

→ What are good garnishes for this meal?

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

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

This version uses pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience, but raw chicken pieces can be browned first before adding liquids and pasta, with adjusted cooking time.