Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

If you love creamy Alfredo pasta and crave the bold heat of buffalo chicken, then this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the perfect fusion dish for you! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with rich, homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta for a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. It’s the ideal balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick of spice, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or any time you want a meal that delivers both heat and comfort.

This pasta dish is easy to make, takes just 30 minutes, and requires simple ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Creamy & Spicy: A rich, velvety Alfredo sauce combined with the bold heat of buffalo chicken.
• Family Favorite: A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap out the protein to fit your taste.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get the flavors of your favorite Buffalo Chicken Alfredo from a restaurant without the price tag.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 bowl of pasta

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Chicken:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For Garnish & Toppings (Optional):

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions
• Extra buffalo sauce, for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Pour in ½ cup of buffalo sauce, toss to coat the chicken, and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Stir in the buffalo chicken, ensuring everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Transfer to serving bowls and top with blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, or green onions.
• Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for an added kick.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

• Buffalo Sauce: Made from hot sauce, butter, and seasonings, it adds a signature spicy-tangy kick to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: The base of Alfredo sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth, saltiness, and umami to the sauce.
• Penne Pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce while maintaining a nice bite.

Technique Tips

• Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly, so opt for freshly grated Parmesan.
• Control the Heat: If you prefer milder heat, use ½ the buffalo sauce amount and add more at the end if needed.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until done to keep it juicy and tender.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.
• Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pizza: Spread Alfredo sauce over pizza dough, add buffalo chicken, and bake.
• Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells: Use jumbo pasta shells, stuffing them with the buffalo chicken Alfredo mixture.

Additional Tips for Success

• Make It Extra Creamy: Add ¼ cup of cream cheese to the Alfredo sauce for an even richer texture.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for more depth.
• Swap the Protein: Try using shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cubed chicken.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of penne.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk for the sauce and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Extra Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce and drizzle with sriracha.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze Alfredo sauce separately for up to 2 months (it may need whisking after thawing).
• Freeze the fully prepared dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating:

• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Party: Serve in small bowls with garlic bread for dipping.
• Family Dinner: Pair with a simple Caesar salad and breadsticks.
• Potluck Favorite: Make in advance and keep warm in a slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, is an excellent time-saver for this recipe. Simply shred or cube the chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce before adding it to the Alfredo pasta. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through, which saves 5–7 minutes of cooking time. This is especially helpful for busy weeknights when you want a quick, delicious meal without extra prep work.

2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Here’s how:

• Add raw chicken, Alfredo sauce ingredients (except cheese), and buffalo sauce to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
• Remove the chicken, shred it, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
• Add cooked penne pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Stir everything together and let it sit on warm for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Using a slow cooker makes this dish even more convenient, allowing you to prepare it earlier in the day and have a hot, ready-to-eat meal when you need it.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. If using whole milk instead of heavy cream, you may need to thicken the sauce slightly to achieve the classic Alfredo consistency. Try these options:

• Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the butter before adding milk to create a roux.
• Mix in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese for extra thickness.
• Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it and concentrate the flavors.

For a lighter version, you can also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It still provides some richness without as many calories as full cream.

4. Is this too spicy for kids?

If you’re making this for kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you can adjust the heat level by:

• Reducing the buffalo sauce to ¼ cup instead of ½ cup.
• Mixing the buffalo sauce with a little extra Alfredo sauce to tone down the spice.
• Serving extra buffalo sauce on the side, so those who want more heat can drizzle it on top.

For a completely mild version, you can swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce or a simple garlic butter sauce while still keeping the creamy Alfredo base.

5. What can I serve with this?

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is rich and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can round out your meal. Here are some great options:

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice that soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A light Caesar salad or garden salad with ranch dressing balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add a nutritious, slightly crunchy contrast.
• Celery & Carrot Sticks: Mimic the classic buffalo chicken pairing with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Baked Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes: If you want an extra hearty meal, creamy mashed potatoes complement the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing dinner, or a restaurant-quality dish made at home, this recipe delivers.

With its easy preparation, simple ingredients, and the ability to customize the spice level, this pasta is perfect for both buffalo chicken lovers and Alfredo fans alike. Serve it with your favorite sides, adjust it to your taste, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that will keep you coming back for more! Try it today and experience the best of both worlds in one delicious dish!

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