This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy and spicy pasta dish that’s sure to please! It mixes tender chicken with a rich and cheesy sauce, all tossed with penne pasta.
If you love buffalo wings, this dish is your new best friend! I can’t resist that delightful kick of spice in each bite. Pair it with a salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great choice for this recipe, but you can easily substitute it with rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use!
Chicken Breasts: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it and skip the cooking step. For a lighter option, you could use turkey or tofu as a protein replacement!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: If you prefer less heat, barbecue sauce or a mild buffalo sauce can work well. You can also make your own by mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter and vinegar for a more homemade taste.
Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella offer a creamy, cheesy flavor, but you could swap in cheddar or even a vegan cheese for a lactose-free version. Just make sure any substitutions melt well!
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
Making a smooth, creamy sauce is crucial for this dish. Here are a few tips to keep it creamy and delicious:
- Always cook the garlic in butter on medium heat; don’t rush it on high heat, or it can burn and affect the sauce’s flavor.
- Add the heavy cream gradually after the garlic has sautéed. Let it simmer gently—this allows it to thicken without curdling.
- When adding cheeses, make sure your heat is on low. Stir continuously until fully melted. If the cheese clumps instead, it might be too hot!
With these tips, your sauce should stay beautifully creamy while adding all the flavors of Buffalo chicken! Enjoy your cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes for cooking. Quick and simple, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Cheese and Sauce Mix:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy. Then, mix in the Buffalo wing sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Make sure it’s heated through. Now, add the drained penne pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy Buffalo Alfredo sauce.
6. Serve with Style:
Once everything is combined, serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy!
Enjoy this rich, spicy, and creamy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne as a comforting dinner that packs a flavorful punch!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just shred it and skip the cooking step, adding it directly to the sauce to heat through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding extra Buffalo wing sauce or incorporating some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy or rich. If using milk, add a little cornstarch to help thicken the sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
