This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy and spicy delight that packs a punch! It’s filled with tender chicken, pasta, and a kick of buffalo sauce, making it super exciting!
What’s not to love? I usually make this when I want a cozy meal with a little heat. Pair it with some garlic bread, and you’re all set for a tasty night in! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is the perfect shape for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it with rotini or fusilli. They’ll also work great!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient for this recipe. You could also use grilled or baked chicken. For a vegetarian option, try grilled cauliflower or chickpeas to replace the chicken.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount to fit your spice level! If you want less heat, use a milder hot sauce or mix in some BBQ sauce. I love mixing a bit of honey for a sweet and spicy combo.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk can work, but it may not be as creamy.
Parmesan & Cream Cheese: These add a lot of flavor and creaminess. You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a plant-based option or use ricotta for a different texture, but the flavor will change.
What’s the Trick to a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
Getting a smooth and creamy Alfredo sauce can seem tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Start by mixing the heavy cream over low heat so it warms up without boiling.
- As you add in the cream cheese and Parmesan, keep stirring to help them melt together smoothly. Patience is key here!
- If the sauce seems thick, try adding a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This adds flavor too!
- Remember to reduce heat when adding the cream so it doesn’t curdle. Low and slow gives the best results!
Once you follow these steps, you’ll have a deliciously creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked through). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to keep some pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add the Chicken and Sauce:
Next, toss in the cooked, shredded chicken. Stir to combine it with the garlic, then pour the buffalo wing sauce over the chicken. Mix everything well and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into the sauce and everything is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet and gently toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the buffalo alfredo sauce.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the pan with a lid and let it heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added kick. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken is perfect for this dish. Just shred it and add it to the pan with the garlic—no need to cook it again, just heat it through!
What if I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s) with melted butter in a 3:1 ratio for a simple substitute. Alternatively, try using a different hot sauce or even BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or a little chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes could also give it an extra kick!