If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly blends spicy, creamy, and comforting all in one bowl, this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, kicked up a notch with tangy buffalo sauce and juicy shredded chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist that satisfies every craving, whether for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting all your ingredients ready is the first step to an effortless and delicious Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe. Each component is straightforward but plays a key role—from the creamy parmesan-enriched sauce to the spicy buffalo heat, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- 1 lb penne pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and creamy.
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: Tender chicken adds protein and soaks up the buffalo flavor.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show, bringing that distinctive spicy tang and heat.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Essential for creating the velvety Alfredo sauce base.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its signature cheesy, nutty depth.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce texture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings a warm, aromatic punch enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne until it’s al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. The pasta should have a slight bite to complement the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring, allowing it to warm and thicken gently. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese bit by bit, stirring constantly until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your luscious sauce base that lovingly coats every penne piece.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
Now, stir in the shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed; this is where our protein-packed magic comes in. Next, pour the buffalo sauce into the skillet and mix thoroughly, blending the spicy tang with the creamy Alfredo for a perfectly balanced flavor explosion. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and infuses every ingredient.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, coating each tube of pasta with the creamy, spicy mixture. Heat together for another minute or two so the pasta absorbs some of the flavors while remaining perfectly tender. At this point, your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe is almost ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch is all about adding freshness and a visual pop. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant green contrast, plus a mild herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese is another winning option to elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This creamy, spicy pasta pairs beautifully with crunchy, cooling sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic celery and carrot sticks — the same veggies often served with buffalo dishes. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress your guests or just want to make dinner a little more fun, consider serving the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne in individual mini casserole dishes, topped with a little extra buffalo sauce drizzle and chopped scallions. A sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top can also give it that authentic buffalo flavor upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe makes great leftovers that keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer any unused portions into an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and spicy flavors without drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy nights. Just allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture, so you’re always ready for a quick, delicious meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving for the best texture, but if needed, heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other short pastas like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle will also work wonderfully in this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you pick and how much you use. If you prefer milder heat, start with less buffalo sauce and adjust to taste as you go.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or roasted cauliflower to keep that hearty feel while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk plus a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich and creamy as using heavy cream.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe freezes well and reheats quite nicely, making it convenient for meal prep or saving leftovers.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe. It’s a deliciously comforting meal that feels both indulgent and exciting thanks to that spicy buffalo kick mixed with creamy Alfredo goodness. I encourage you to give it a try — once you do, it’ll quickly become one of those dishes you turn to again and again. Happy cooking and, most importantly, happy eating!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines spicy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken and cheesy Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it an irresistible comfort food that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the cream and buffalo sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo sauce, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken to heat through, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything well.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken breasts for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control the spiciness level.
- For extra garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic instead of sautéing.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
