If you love a creamy, comforting pasta dish with a spicy kick, you are going to absolutely adore this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe. This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious alfredo sauce with a bold buffalo twist that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a fantastic way to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress friends with something both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to making this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe shine is using simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in the final dish’s flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheese blend and spicy buffalo sauce, every component adds something special.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose penne for its perfect shape that holds the sauce well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook the chicken evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile subtly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the perfect base for melting the cheese and forming a silky sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Provides the creamy texture that makes this Alfredo sauce luxurious.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star ingredient that gives the dish its iconic spicy punch.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant note and pretty color.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for drizzling or serving on the side to cool down the heat.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures each bite has just the right amount of bite and texture to hold up beautifully against the creamy sauce later on. Once cooked, drain and set aside so it’s ready to join the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then add the chicken to the pan, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. This step gives the chicken a flavorful crust that enhances the overall dish. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Create the Buffalo Alfredo Sauce
Use the same skillet to melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until it smells absolutely heavenly. Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo wing sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat and whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a dreamy, cheesy sauce with just the right kick.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken get completely coated in that luscious buffalo alfredo sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the dish to heat through perfectly.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Drizzling ranch or blue cheese dressing right over the pasta or serving it on the side offers a creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, making every bite balanced and satisfying.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty pasta alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and lighten up the meal. Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach also make fantastic sides, introducing some greens that complement the creamy and spicy flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne in small ramekins or oven-safe dishes and topping with extra mozzarella before broiling for a golden, bubbly crust. This makes it perfect for a cozy dinner party or meal prep that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a quick reheat with a splash of cream or milk brings it back to silky perfection.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after thawing. Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and still provides plenty of flavor. Just shred or chop it and add it in during the sauce step.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe?
The spiciness depends on the amount and type of buffalo wing sauce you use. Start with the suggested 1/2 cup and adjust to your heat preference—more for a bolder kick, or less if you’re sensitive to spice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This dish relies on dairy for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, so it would require substitutions like dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. The texture and taste will be different, but it can still be delicious!
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its tube shape holds the sauce nicely, but rigatoni or ziti would work just as well in feeding sauce throughout each bite.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is fantastic for meal prep since it reheats well and remains flavorful. Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat with a little extra cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe has become one of those meals that I find myself craving on repeat. It’s rich, comforting, and perfectly spicy, all wrapped up in cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to an indulgent dinner, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta!
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Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy buffalo Alfredo sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A delicious twist on classic Alfredo, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pastas and Proteins
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling or serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Buffalo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo wing sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Lower the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Then add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and blended into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy buffalo Alfredo sauce.
- Simmer and Heat Through: Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired, and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken.
- Add steamed broccoli or fresh spinach to the dish for extra vegetables and nutrition.
