Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Recipes Chicken & Beef

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mashup, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the answer! This dish combines the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce with the tangy, spicy kick of Buffalo chicken. The result? A pasta dish that’s rich, bold, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or when you’re just craving something indulgent, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Ready to take your Alfredo to the next level? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Buffalo Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

Toppings (Optional):

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Extra Buffalo sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Alfredo Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Buffalo sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the Buffalo Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Optional Baking Step

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, crumbled blue cheese, and an extra drizzle of Buffalo sauce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

  1. Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of Buffalo sauce and cayenne pepper.
  2. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
  3. Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  4. Pasta Alternatives: Substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
  • Freezing: Buffalo Alfredo Penne is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  2. Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of penne.
  3. Extra Cheesy: Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar directly into the sauce for an ultra-cheesy pasta.
  4. Ranch Lover’s Twist: Replace Worcestershire sauce with a tablespoon of ranch dressing for added tang.

Nutrition Details

Per Serving (Approximate, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 26g

FAQ

Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time. Heat it with Buffalo sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Is there a substitute for Buffalo sauce?

If you don’t have Buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with melted butter for a quick substitute. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne?

A crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair perfectly with this rich dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.