This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy and spicy delight! With tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and rich Alfredo, it’s a flavor bomb that’s hard to resist.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that combines pasta and wings? I can’t help but go back for seconds—just make sure to keep some extra napkins handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: The shape of penne holds sauce well. If you don’t have penne, you can use rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative too!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy. You can use leftover grilled chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce. If you want a less spicy flavor, consider mixing in some barbecue sauce for a milder blend.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream keeps this dish rich and creamy. For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce may be less thick.
Cheese: Parmesan is essential for a great Alfredo, but feel free to mix it up! A blend of cheeses can add extra flavor. Use whatever melty cheese you have on hand!
How Can I Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce Without Curdling?
Making Alfredo sauce can be tricky if you don’t keep an eye on the temperature. Here are a few tips to keep it creamy:
- Heat the heavy cream gently. Bringing it to a simmer instead of a boil helps prevent separation.
- Stir the grated Parmesan in gradually. This ensures it melts smoothly into the cream.
- Don’t walk away! Stay close and stir constantly as you combine these ingredients.
- If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2-3 green onions (scallions), sliced
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need roughly 10 minutes for prepping and cooking the pasta, and around 20 minutes for making the creamy sauce with the chicken and tossing everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. After it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Making the Alfredo Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Adding Buffalo Sauce:
Next, add the buffalo sauce to the creamy Alfredo mixture and mix it well. Taste the sauce and adjust with more buffalo sauce if you like it spicier.
5. Combining Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce and warmed through.
6. Mixing in the Pasta:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything to make sure the pasta is well-coated with the buffalo Alfredo sauce.
7. Adding Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, giving it a moment to melt slightly into the dish.
8. Garnishing:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and a light sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of color.
9. Serving Your Dish:
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne immediately. It pairs wonderfully with celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side!
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and zesty Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the shape you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you love more heat, you can increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. For an extra kick, consider using a spicier buffalo sauce variant!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta, combine everything, and heat through!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
