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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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