Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the spicy tang of buffalo chicken for a mouthwatering fusion dish. This hearty pasta recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal that packs a flavorful punch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: Combines spicy, tangy buffalo chicken with creamy Alfredo for a unique and irresistible dish.
- Simple to Prepare: Easy steps make this gourmet-tasting dish accessible to any home cook.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Favorite: A filling and indulgent meal that satisfies cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne pasta
- Chicken breasts, diced or shredded
- Buffalo sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, or blue cheese crumbles
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until fully done and golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce, adjusting the amount to your desired level of heat.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce.
- Mix in the cooked penne, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, extra Parmesan, or blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms.
- Blue Cheese Lovers: Stir crumbled blue cheese into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream to reduce the richness of the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free.
- Baked Variation: Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe.
What type of buffalo sauce is best?
Choose a buffalo sauce with your preferred level of heat. Frank’s RedHot is a popular option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
How do I make the dish less spicy?
Use less buffalo sauce or mix it with additional cream to tone down the heat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work just as well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions to this dish.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan to make the dish dairy-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal for freezing as cream-based sauces can separate, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month if needed.
What pairs well with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this pasta perfectly.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, Romano or Asiago cheese are good substitutes for Parmesan.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of creamy and spicy flavors. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed hit for dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect fusion of flavors!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a bold and creamy pasta dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the rich, velvety goodness of Alfredo sauce. This crowd-pleasing dinner is perfect for a weeknight meal or to impress guests with its irresistible flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- Optional Garnishes:
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Additional buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the buffalo sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.