Sizzling Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe – Fiery Pasta Joy

Creamy buffalo chicken alfredo penne brings together a spicy, comforting fusion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Zesty hot sauce mingles perfectly with rich, velvety cheese sauce in this quick weeknight dinner.

Tender chicken pieces add hearty protein to every delicious bite.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean herbs and a splash of creativity elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance between heat and smooth, cheesy goodness.

Prepare to savor every single mouthwatering moment of this irresistible meal.

What Makes Buffalo Alfredo Penne a Hit

• Spice Up Family Dinner: A mouthwatering twist on classic Alfredo that transforms ordinary pasta night into an exciting culinary adventure kids and adults will love.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust buffalo sauce intensity to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe perfectly adaptable for mild or heat-seeking palates.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend meals where bold and creamy flavors are guaranteed to impress hungry guests.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Penne Dish

• Penne Pasta: A tubular pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauces and capturing flavor.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and richness to the buffalo chicken dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall creaminess of the sauce.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers a spicy and tangy kick that gives the dish its signature buffalo chicken flavor.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note to finish the dish.

• Butter: Provides a rich foundation for sautéing and creating a smooth sauce.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil Penne Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

Drain completely in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Whip Up Buffalo Alfredo Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Parmesan cheese
• Buffalo sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Integrate Chicken and Pasta

Fold shredded chicken into the bubbling sauce.

Add cooked penne pasta and toss thoroughly, ensuring every pasta piece gets coated with the spicy, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Transfer the buffalo chicken pasta into serving dishes.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, herbal finish. Serve hot and enjoy the zesty, comforting meal.

Tips to Balance Heat and Creaminess Just Right

• Rinse pasta under cold water after draining to prevent sticking and maintain perfect texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quick, flavorful shredded meat that saves preparation time.
• Control buffalo sauce heat level by adjusting amount – start with less and add gradually for personalized spiciness.
• Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic creamy sauce consistency.
• Keep extra buffalo sauce on side for those who enjoy extra kick, allowing individual customization at the table.

Flavor Variations for Buffalo Alfredo Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure buffalo sauce is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Customize heat by using mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce, allowing individuals to control the dish's spiciness according to their preference.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy buffalo flavor profile intact.

Side Dishes That Go with Alfredo Penne

• Pair Buffalo Sauce Boldly with Cool Craft Beer
• Match the spicy buffalo chicken alfredo with a crisp, hoppy IPA that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the tangy heat.
• Refresh with Zesty White Wine Contrast
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, spicy pasta with its bright, citrusy undertones and clean finish.
• Cool Down with Creamy Blue Cheese Dip
• Create a side of homemade blue cheese dressing to enhance the buffalo sauce's flavor profile and provide a cooling counterpoint to the dish's intense spiciness.
• Elevate with Crisp Celery Salad
• Prepare a light, crunchy celery salad with a simple vinaigrette to add freshness and echo the classic buffalo wing side, bringing textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Well

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Pasta may slightly change texture when thawed.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of cream or milk, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Warm slowly, mixing continuously until heated evenly.

FAQs

• What is buffalo sauce made of?

Buffalo sauce is typically a mixture of hot sauce (usually Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter, creating a spicy and tangy flavor that gives dishes a classic buffalo wing taste.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce to decrease the heat level while maintaining the signature buffalo chicken flavor.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This buffalo chicken Alfredo penne can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals during the week.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can increase the protein by adding more shredded chicken, mixing in some crispy bacon bits, or topping the pasta with extra grilled chicken or chopped rotisserie chicken.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken alfredo penne brings fiery comfort to classic Italian pasta with a spicy American twist. Cheesy, zesty sauce and tender chicken create a bold dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a light golden base. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and slightly translucent, approximately 45-60 seconds.
3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture. Introduce buffalo sauce, blending until the mixture achieves a consistent, creamy consistency.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference. Fold shredded chicken into the buffalo Alfredo sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet, gently tossing to coat every penne piece with the spicy, creamy sauce. If needed, splash reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
6. Transfer the buffalo chicken Alfredo to serving dishes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and added freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta al dente by salting water generously and testing texture before draining to ensure ideal texture.
• Balance buffalo sauce heat by adjusting quantity based on personal spice tolerance, using mild or hot sauce varieties.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for reduced calorie content.
• Enhance protein options by using rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 613 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg