If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and comforting flavors, then you have to try this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe. This meal brings together tender pasta enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce with just the right kick of buffalo heat. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies your soul and excites your taste buds all at once. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this crowd-pleaser is both easy to make and absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe shine. Each component is simple but essential, contributing to the perfect harmony of heat, creaminess, and hearty texture.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The sturdy shape holds this luscious sauce beautifully while giving you a lovely bite.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Adds protein and makes the dish satisfyingly filling.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Brings that classic tangy, spicy flavor that is the heart of the recipe.
- 2 cups heavy cream: For a luxuriously creamy base that coats every piece of pasta in happiness.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps meld the sauce flavors together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, savory notes and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for gooey, stringy goodness in every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds depth and a lovely herbaceous balance.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water because seasoning your pasta water is key to a flavorful base. Add the penne and cook until al dente, which means the pasta should be tender but still with a tiny bite left. Drain the pasta and set it aside; it will join the sauce later for that perfect coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step releases those wonderful garlic notes that will carry through the whole dish.
Step 3: Combine Cream and Buffalo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Lower the heat and let it all simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally. This mellow simmer thickens the sauce and blends the spicy and creamy flavors into something truly irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Slowly add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring continuously. Watch how it transforms into a smooth, creamy, and cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every bit of chicken and pasta you’ll add next.
Step 5: Mix in Chicken and Pasta
Fold the shredded chicken into the sauce, making sure every piece is generously coated. Then, add your cooked penne pasta and toss it all together until the pasta is evenly covered in that spicy, cheesy goodness. This is where everything comes together into one delicious dish.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add a nice pop of color and a little boost of flavor complexity. They make the presentation inviting and give each serving a fresh finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich and flavorful on its own, so pairing it with light, crisp sides such as a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables keeps the meal well-rounded and balanced. Garlic bread is an easy, tasty option to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or a fun twist, serve this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a drizzle of buffalo sauce. It looks beautiful and makes portioning effortless while heightening the overall experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so gently reheat while adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it back up.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne over low heat on the stovetop. Add a little cream or water if the sauce is too thick, stirring continually to bring back that creamy, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs first by grilling, baking, or pan-searing and then shred them before adding to the sauce. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before combining it with the sauce.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe?
The spiciness primarily comes from the buffalo sauce you use. Most buffalo sauces have a medium heat level, but you can adjust it by adding more or less sauce depending on your preference for heat. For a milder dish, use less buffalo sauce or choose a milder variety.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Whole milk won’t thicken as well, so it’s best to stick with cream or half-and-half for that classic Alfredo texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written includes traditional penne pasta, which contains gluten. You can easily substitute gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
Parmesan and mozzarella create the perfect creamy, melty duo, but if you want to experiment, try Asiago or Pecorino Romano as an alternative to Parmesan. For mozzarella, you can also use provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite go-to comfort food!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy, spicy twist on classic Alfredo pasta, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in a rich buffalo-infused cheese sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish brings together bold buffalo flavors and cheesy goodness, making it a perfect meal for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Mix the cooked shredded chicken into the cheese sauce, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful buffalo Alfredo sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and stir well to evenly distribute the sauce and chicken throughout the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions make great garnishes to brighten the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
