Oh my goodness, let me tell you about buffalo chicken alfredo penne! This dish is an absolute game changer when it comes to comfort food. Imagine creamy pasta enveloped in a spicy buffalo sauce, with tender, shredded chicken mixed right in. I remember the first time I made it—I was craving that perfect blend of heat and richness, and wow, it did not disappoint! Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, and it’s so easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try this buffalo chicken alfredo penne, it’ll become a go-to meal in your home!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your buffalo chicken alfredo penne absolutely delicious! Gather these ingredients and let’s get cooking:
- 2 cups penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cups heavy cream (for that creamy, dreamy texture)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing and richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step!)
How to Prepare buffalo chicken alfredo penne
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making buffalo chicken alfredo penne! Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water—it’ll really enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside. You want it a little al dente since it’ll soak up some sauce later!
Now, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Once the butter is bubbly, toss in the shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir it all together to get that chicken coated in spicy goodness. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, just enough time for those flavors to mingle.
Next, it’s time for the heavy cream! Pour it in and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Once it’s bubbling, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts into that creamy sauce we all love. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Finally, toss the cooked penne into the skillet and mix until every piece is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. Serve it hot, and watch everyone swoon over this amazing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that’s totally indulgent.
- Spicy buffalo flavor that kicks things up a notch.
- Comfort food at its finest, satisfying and filling.
- Customizable—adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Tips for Success
When it comes to nailing that buffalo chicken alfredo penne, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips for you! First off, don’t be shy with the buffalo sauce, but do taste as you go. If you’re a fan of heat, add a bit more, but if you prefer a milder kick, start with less and adjust. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s tough to take it away!
For that ultra-creamy sauce, make sure to use heavy cream—it really makes a difference in texture. If you find the sauce too thick, a splash of pasta cooking water can help loosen it up without sacrificing flavor. Also, stirring in the Parmesan cheese gradually ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce. Lastly, feel free to garnish with some fresh chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese for an extra pop of flavor. Trust me, these little touches can elevate your dish to the next level!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to customize your buffalo chicken alfredo penne, and I just love playing around with different ingredients! Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. Spinach is also a great addition—just stir it in right before serving so it wilts nicely.
- Switch Up the Cheese: While Parmesan is a classic, try mixing in some mozzarella or pepper jack for a creamier texture and even more flavor. A touch of blue cheese crumbles on top can really enhance that buffalo taste too!
- Go for Different Proteins: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken for shredded pork or even shrimp. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly!
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of buffalo sauce. You can also add more veggies to make it hearty without the extra calories.
- Change the Pasta: Instead of penne, try using rotini, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. The sauce will cling nicely to any shape!
Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this dish so fun to make!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of that mouthwatering buffalo chicken alfredo penne? Don’t worry, storing it is super simple! Just transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, the key to reheating is to do it gently. I recommend warming it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy that spicy goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of buffalo chicken alfredo penne. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is rich and satisfying, perfect for a hearty meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Just shred it up, and you’re good to go. It saves time and adds a ton of flavor!
What if I don’t like spicy food? No worries! You can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you reach your preferred spice level. You could even substitute it with a mild barbecue sauce for a different twist!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine them right before serving. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to keep it creamy.
What other pastas work well with buffalo chicken alfredo? While penne is fantastic, you can definitely swap it for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or even fettuccine. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose can hold onto that creamy sauce!
Is there a vegetarian version of buffalo chicken alfredo penne? Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or cauliflower for a hearty veggie option. Just toss them in the buffalo sauce, and you’ll have a deliciously spicy dish!
Serving Suggestions
To make your buffalo chicken alfredo penne even more delightful, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce! For a little extra crunch, try adding some celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side, which complement the buffalo flavor beautifully. These sides will round out your meal and leave everyone satisfied!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious pasta recipes, check out this Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe.
For a great side salad to pair with your meal, consider this Garlic Butter Pasta recipe.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne: 5 Comforting Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Buffalo chicken alfredo penne is a creamy pasta dish with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for desired spiciness.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken alfredo penne
