Creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a luscious buffalo-flavored cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food with a kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy: The alfredo sauce is a decadent blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, balanced with the tangy kick of buffalo sauce.
Easy to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward recipe that’s great for busy nights.
Customizable: You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference or switch up the protein.
Crowd-pleaser: It’s a perfect dish to share, and it always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound penne pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate the Cheese:
Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine with Chicken and Pasta:
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Toss in the cooked penne pasta, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the sauce.
Serve:
Plate the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne while hot. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Protein swap: Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or ground turkey.
Vegetarian option: Use plant-based chicken alternatives or replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Heat level: Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to make it milder or spicier.
Cheese options: Experiment with cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Pasta types: Try it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time on preparation.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or increase the amount of buffalo sauce to intensify the heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately, then combine and heat before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the perfect combination of creamy comfort food and bold, spicy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. With easy preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness.
📖 Recipe:
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Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich buffalo-flavored alfredo sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner delivers bold, spicy, and cheesy comfort food that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the Cheese
- Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and creamy.
- Combine with Chicken and Pasta
- Mix shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Toss in cooked penne pasta and stir to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Serve
- Plate immediately and garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Adjust Heat: Modify the buffalo sauce quantity to suit your spice preference.
Cheese Options: Try Gouda or cheddar for a twist.
Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 510 kcal
