Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne: Creamy, Spicy, and Comforting
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the ultimate fusion of creamy Alfredo and spicy buffalo flavors. With tender chicken, penne pasta, a rich Alfredo sauce, and a touch of buffalo heat, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold, comforting meals. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option that’s guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast (1 lb): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken.
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Penne Pasta (12 oz): Perfect for holding the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness to the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): The base of the Alfredo sauce, providing a luscious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Adds cheesy, nutty richness.
- Buffalo Sauce (1/4–1/3 cup): Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin out the sauce for the perfect consistency.
For Garnish:
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles (optional): Perfect for extra tanginess and balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce and milk, adjusting the spice level to your preference. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy buffalo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Divide the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne into bowls or plates.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and blue cheese crumbles, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
1. Adjust the Spice Level
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add extra Parmesan cheese to balance the flavors.
- If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle additional buffalo sauce on top.
2. Customize the Dish
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
- Protein Variations: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or swap chicken for shrimp.
3. Perfect Sauce Consistency
- Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spicy, creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a lighter side.
Storage and Leftovers
1. Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating Tips:
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the sauce.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
3. Freezing:
- Cream-based sauces don’t freeze as well due to potential separation, but you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Make a fresh sauce when reheating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought Alfredo sauce works well. Just stir in the buffalo sauce for the signature spicy flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients, like buffalo sauce, are gluten-free.
Q: What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
A: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne brings together the creamy richness of Alfredo with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce for a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or even meal prep, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag #BuffaloChickenAlfredo for a chance to be featured. Happy cooking!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne: Creamy, Spicy, and Comforting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the ultimate fusion of creamy Alfredo and spicy buffalo flavors. With tender chicken, penne pasta, a rich Alfredo sauce, and a touch of buffalo heat, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold, comforting meals. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option that’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 🐔 Chicken Breast (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 🛢️ Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- 🧂 Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 🍝 Penne Pasta (12 oz)
- 🧈 Butter (3 tablespoons)
- 🧄 Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- 🥛 Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups)
- 🧀 Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated)
- 🌶️ Buffalo Sauce (1/4–1/3 cup, adjust to taste)
- 🥛 Milk (1/2 cup)
For Garnish (optional):
- 🌿 Chopped Parsley
- 🧀 Blue Cheese Crumbles
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. -
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add buffalo sauce and milk, stirring until well combined. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
-
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
-
Serve and Garnish:
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and blue cheese crumbles, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for your preferred spice level.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.