This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy pasta dish with a spicy twist. You’ll love the tender chicken mixed in with the rich sauce and tasty penne pasta!
If you ask me, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in. I like to garnish it with a sprinkle of blue cheese for an extra kick. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce. However, you can swap it with fusilli or rigatoni if you like. Just make sure they are similar in cooking time!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the dish! You can adjust the amount based on your spice level. If you want a milder version, try using a combination of hot sauce and ranch dressing.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Tofu or chickpeas can be great vegetarian alternatives.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk can work too, but the sauce might not be as creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch. You could use Pecorino Romano for a different flavor, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option!
How Do I Get the Sauce Creamy Without Curdling?
Making sure your sauce is smooth is all about the right heating method. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your pan on medium heat; too high will curdle the cream.
- When adding the cream, stir gently and bring it to just a simmer—not a boil.
- Add the cheese gradually, ensuring it melts slowly while stirring constantly.
By following this process, your sauce will be creamy and delicious without any unwanted lumps!
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking and assembling everything, and then it’s ready to serve! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, toss in the shredded or diced cooked chicken into the skillet. Stir it for about 2-3 minutes to warm it up and mix with the garlic.
4. Blend in the Wing Sauce:
Add the buffalo wing sauce and butter to the chicken. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit.
6. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Season to Taste:
Taste your sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired. This is your chance to adjust the flavors!
8. Combine with Pasta:
Now, throw the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the buffalo chicken Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the delicious sauce.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the penne hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure they have a similar cooking time so they don’t end up overcooked!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want extra heat, consider adding more buffalo wing sauce or mixing in some red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicier hot sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Tofu or chickpeas are also great protein alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce as needed.
