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.