This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy and spicy dish that’s sure to please! It combines tender chicken, tasty Alfredo sauce, and zesty buffalo sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta.
If you’re like me, a little kick makes everything better! I love serving it with crunchy celery sticks on the side. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends on game day! 🌶️🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is really great for holding the creamy sauce. If you’re out of penne, try rotini or fusilli for similar results. Just make sure it’s a pasta that can grab onto the sauce!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well here, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Just shred it and toss it in — it saves time and adds flavor!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust this based on your spice level preference! If you want something milder, use a BBQ sauce or a milder hot sauce mixed with a bit of butter. Go wild with your preferences!
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the dish creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work too, but it won’t be as rich. You can also use a dairy-free cream for a vegan option.
Fresh Parsley: This is for garnish and adds a nice pop of color. If you don’t have parsley, try green onions or chives for a different flavor kick.
How Do I Make Sure My Alfredo Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting a creamy Alfredo sauce is all about the right technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- When you pour in the heavy cream, keep the heat medium to ensure it doesn’t simmer too aggressively. Gentle heating will help prevent it from curdling.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Stirring it gently is key to achieving a smooth texture.
- Introducing the buffalo sauce after the cream and cheese means you avoid clumping. Combine slowly for the best flavor integration.
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne will take about 30 minutes in total, including 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream has slightly thickened.
4. Add Cheese and Sauce:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and becomes smooth. Then, add the buffalo wing sauce, mixing well to combine it with the Alfredo sauce until you’ve got a beautiful, creamy blend!
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Next, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir until all of the pasta is coated in that rich buffalo Alfredo sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne hot! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, if you like. Dig in and enjoy this creamy, spicy delight!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great for this dish, you can substitute it with rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente according to package instructions for the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat and add the pasta. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding a splash of cream or broth.
How Do I Make It Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce added. Alternatively, mix the buffalo sauce with a little cream or use a milder hot sauce to get that buffalo flavor without the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
