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
Scale
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.
