Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe With a Kick

Twirling your fork through a creamy buffalo chicken Alfredo penne that sends taste buds into overdrive.

Spicy meets comforting in this killer pasta dish that breaks all the traditional recipe rules.

Zesty buffalo sauce weaves magic through tender chicken and rich Alfredo coating each penne perfectly.

Bold flavors dance across your plate, promising a meal that feels like a flavor explosion.

Cheesy, smooth, and with just enough kick to make you sit up and take notice, this recipe transforms dinner into an event.

chicken chunks nestled in velvety sauce invite you to dig in and experience pure culinary bliss.

Go ahead and make this recipe – your dinner companions will be begging for seconds.

Why Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Brings The Heat And Cream

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Unleash a flavor explosion with the perfect blend of creamy Alfredo and zesty buffalo sauce, creating a mouthwatering twist on classic pasta dishes.
• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the heat level by adjusting buffalo sauce, appeal to different tastes with optional toppings like blue cheese or green onions, and satisfy both pasta and chicken lovers in one satisfying dish.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that builds layers of flavor by cooking chicken and sauce in the same pan, saving time and reducing dish washing.

Everything You Need For Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Chicken: Hearty protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish, best when boneless and skinless.
• Blue Cheese: Tangy cheese that provides a sharp, creamy flavor and classic buffalo wing complement.

• Penne Pasta, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base ingredients that create rich, smooth sauce texture, choose pasta that holds sauce well.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce base, preferably unsalted for better flavor control.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices for seasoning chicken and enhancing overall dish flavor, use fresh ground pepper for best taste.
• Buffalo Sauce: Signature spicy condiment that gives the dish its distinctive tangy heat, choose mild or hot version based on preference.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to sauce, fresh garlic provides the most robust flavor.
• Green Onions: Optional fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion brightness to finished dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken, provides light cooking fat with subtle flavor.

Simple Steps To Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until chicken turns golden brown and cooks through completely. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Buffalo sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Continue simmering until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Protein

Toss cooked penne pasta and prepared chicken into the creamy buffalo sauce. Gently mix until every piece is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Elevate and Serve

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Extra buffalo sauce drizzle

Enjoy your spicy, creamy pasta adventure!

Tips To Perfect Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in maximum flavor, ensuring each bite is deliciously crispy.
• Balance Buffalo Heat: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually adding more to create your ideal flavor profile.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Maintain low-medium heat when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling, stirring continuously for a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Enhance Dairy Richness: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter versions, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed alternative.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Cook extra chicken and freeze in portioned containers for future quick meals, reducing overall cooking time during busy weeknights.

How To Store Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne And Warm It Back Up

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 35 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 45 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.
• Avoid Freezing: This creamy pasta doesn't freeze well due to potential sauce separation and texture changes. Best consumed within a few days of initial preparation.

What Goes Well With Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Sip Spicy Sauvignon: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness of the creamy buffalo chicken alfredo, balancing the spicy buffalo sauce with its bright, zesty character.
• Crunch with Cooling Coleslaw: Prepare a tangy, creamy coleslaw as a side dish to complement the pasta's heat, providing a refreshing crunch that neutralizes the spiciness and adds textural contrast.
• Pair with Pale Ale: A hoppy, slightly bitter craft pale ale stands up beautifully to the bold buffalo flavors, with its carbonation helping to cleanse the palate between rich, creamy bites.
• Cool Down with Ranch Dip: Serve a classic ranch dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling, which naturally echoes the buffalo chicken theme while offering a cooling counterpoint to the spicy sauce.

Tasty Twists On Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne To Try

• Spicy Ranch Remix: Replace buffalo sauce with creamy ranch dressing and add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Chicken Fusion: Swap buffalo sauce for sun-dried tomato paste, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Chipotle Chicken Blend: Substitute buffalo sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, add smoked paprika, and top with cilantro for a bold, smoky flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or grilled portobello mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and maintain the creamy Alfredo base for a plant-based alternative.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne FAQs Made Easy

• What makes buffalo chicken alfredo penne different from traditional alfredo pasta?

This dish combines the creamy richness of alfredo sauce with spicy buffalo chicken, creating a bold and exciting flavor profile that’s more adventurous than classic alfredo.

• Is buffalo sauce too spicy for people who don't like heat?

Buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your personal heat tolerance. You can use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount to make it less spicy while still enjoying the tangy flavor.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

You can lighten the dish by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, choosing whole wheat penne, and using grilled chicken breast instead of pan-fried chicken to reduce calories and increase nutrition.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even crispy tofu can be excellent substitutes for the chicken while maintaining the dish’s delicious flavor profile.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken alfredo penne delivers spicy comfort with Italian-American flair. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a mouthwatering meal merging classic flavor profiles for quick weeknight satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Additional buffalo sauce

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Instructions

1. Craft a savory protein base by searing chicken in a skillet with aromatic spices. Carefully heat olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over chicken pieces. Sizzle and stir until the meat develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a holding plate.
2. Transform the same skillet into a creamy sauce haven by melting butter and infusing minced garlic. Allow the garlic to release its fragrant essence briefly. Pour heavy cream gradually, whisking continuously to create a silky foundation. Let the mixture gently bubble and reduce, concentrating its luxurious texture.
3. Introduce Parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, and a dash of seasoning into the simmering cream. Stir meticulously to integrate these flavor-boosting elements, watching the sauce evolve into a velvety, rich consistency that clings beautifully to pasta.
4. Reunite the reserved chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta in the decadent sauce. Toss with precision, ensuring each pasta strand and chicken morsel becomes thoroughly coated in the spicy, creamy mixture.
5. Plate the dish with artistic flair, creating enticing mounds of buffalo chicken alfredo. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling crumbled blue cheese, scattering chopped green onions, or adding an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce for those craving additional heat and zest.

Notes

• Optimize chicken tenderness by slicing it into uniform, bite-sized pieces before seasoning to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Control spice levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity, allowing customization for different heat preferences without compromising the dish’s signature taste.
• Consider using Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a healthier version that maintains creamy texture while reducing overall calorie content.
• Prevent sauce separation by adding cheese gradually and stirring consistently, ensuring smooth and velvety consistency throughout cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 26g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 180mg