Kickin’ Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe: Spicy Dinner Joy!

Creamy pasta dishes always spark joy at the dinner table, especially when buffalo chicken alfredo penne bursts with tantalizing flavors.

Spicy and rich, this recipe combines classic comfort with a zesty kick.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into perfectly cooked penne, creating a mouthwatering meal that satisfies deep cravings.

Cheesy alfredo sauce blankets each pasta tube with luxurious smoothness.

Sharp buffalo sauce adds a vibrant edge that wakes up every bite.

Melted cheese and crispy chicken make this dish irresistibly delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Chicken Breast: Adds hearty protein and absorbs bold flavors from spices, choose fresh, trimmed cuts for best texture.
• Minced Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic base note to enhance overall dish's depth and complexity.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth foundation for creamy sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, silky texture and helps bind sauce ingredients together smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, nutty undertone and helps thicken sauce naturally, use freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear chicken and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for authentic taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds consistent garlic flavor throughout dish, ensures even seasoning.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle warmth and beautiful color, opt for sweet or smoked variety.
• Salt: Balances and elevates other flavors, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Brings gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature tangy, spicy kick, select your preferred heat level.

• Penne Pasta: Provides substantial base that captures sauce beautifully, cook al dente for best texture.
• Blue Cheese: Adds creamy, tangy contrast to spicy sauce, crumble just before serving.
• Green Onions: Introduces fresh, sharp brightness and appealing color garnish.

Cooking Tools For Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping garnishes.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices and seasonings.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta effectively.
• Serving Bowls: Necessary for presenting the final buffalo chicken alfredo penne dish.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Chicken Sizzle

Start by warming a skillet and introducing chicken to a dance of spices. Let the meat transform into golden, crispy perfection with hints of garlic and paprika. Once beautifully browned, set the chicken aside to rest.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

Melt butter in the same skillet, welcoming minced garlic for a quick flavor boost. Pour in velvety cream, letting it bubble and embrace the pan. Whisk in Parmesan and buffalo sauce, creating a luxurious blend that whispers comfort and excitement.

• Pasta Fusion

Reunite the tender chicken with perfectly cooked penne, letting each piece swim in the luscious sauce. Gently toss until every morsel is generously coated with the spicy, creamy goodness.

• Final Touch

Serve the dish in warm bowls, letting blue cheese crumbles and green onions add a final burst of flavor. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce invites bold taste adventures.

Helpful Tips For Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

• Creamy Chicken Hack: Use rotisserie chicken for an instant flavor boost and save precious cooking time without compromising taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to make the dish mild, medium, or fiery hot – perfect for different heat tolerances in your family or friend group.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious essence.
• Low-Carb Magic: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version that keeps all the creamy, spicy goodness without extra carbohydrates.

Serving Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Right

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this zesty Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne as a comforting main course that brings everyone together around the table.
• Spicy Game Night Centerpiece: Create an exciting game night spread by presenting this dish with crisp celery sticks, extra buffalo sauce, and cool ranch dressing for dipping.
• Picnic Perfect Potluck Plate: Pack this creamy pasta in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving to keep flavors bright and exciting.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Upgrade: Transform leftovers by topping the pasta with additional shredded chicken, a handful of crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Storing Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne With Ease

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm portions in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Freezing Performance: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate chicken and sauce to prevent texture separation during freezing and thawing process.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, combining components for a quick and delicious meal that tastes like it was just made.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy buffalo chicken alfredo penne blends spicy buffalo sauce with classic Italian alfredo for a bold pasta experience. Cheese-coated noodles and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Additional buffalo sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in heated olive oil until golden-brown and fully cooked, creating a flavorful protein base. Remove and set aside on a separate plate.
2. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce, developing a luxurious, silky texture.
3. Flavor Fusion: Incorporate Parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, and additional seasonings into the cream base. Stir until the sauce transforms into a velvety, rich consistency that promises intense flavor and smooth texture.
4. Combining Elements: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with perfectly prepared penne pasta. Gently toss to ensure complete coating, allowing the sauce to embrace both pasta and protein with its spicy, creamy essence.
5. Final Presentation: Plate the buffalo chicken alfredo with artistic flair. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, and an optional drizzle of buffalo sauce to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and taste profile.

Notes

• Manage Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk heavy cream slowly and steadily to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth, silky texture that coats pasta perfectly.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on heat preference; start with less and gradually add to customize the dish’s spiciness.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook penne al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will continue absorbing sauce and softening during final mixing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg