Cheesy Skillet Creamy Dream is a one-pan combination of cooked shredded chicken, short pasta, buffalo sauce, cream, broth, and three cheeses. The pasta simmers directly in the flavorful liquids, then cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese create a smooth, substantial finish.
This recipe serves 4 in 30 minutes, with only 5 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking. Keeping the pasta mostly submerged and stirring occasionally are the keys to even cooking without an extra pot.
Cheesy Skillet Creamy Dream Ingredients
Measure 1 tablespoon oil, 1 pound cooked shredded chicken, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. For the pasta base, use 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup buffalo sauce, and 8 ounces uncooked rotini, penne, or cavatappi.
Finish with 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 4 ounces cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley. The chicken must already be fully cooked before it enters the skillet.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Loaded Seafood Baked Potato.
How to Make Cheesy Skillet Creamy Dream
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add 1 cup broth, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup buffalo sauce, and 8 ounces uncooked short pasta. Arrange the pasta so it is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, and serve 4 portions hot.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Start With Fully Cooked Chicken
Season the Chicken for Two to Three Minutes
Add the Three Cooking Liquids
Choose One Short Pasta Shape
Simmer Covered for Ten to Twelve Minutes
Remove the Skillet From the Heat
Melt All Three Cheeses Smoothly
Adjust and Garnish at the End
Storage and Reheating
Conclusion
Warm 1 pound cooked shredded chicken in 1 tablespoon oil with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 2 to 3 minutes. Add broth, cream, buffalo sauce, and 8 ounces uncooked short pasta, keeping the pasta mostly submerged. Bring gently to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and simmer 10 to 12 minutes. Off heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until smooth, then garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I start with raw chicken?
No. The recipe requires 1 pound fully cooked shredded chicken.
- → Which pasta shapes work?
Use 8 ounces uncooked rotini, penne, or cavatappi.
- → How long should the pasta simmer?
Cover and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- → When do I add the cheese?
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until smooth.