This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a fun twist on a classic dish! Creamy Alfredo sauce and spicy buffalo chicken come together with penne pasta for a meal that’s both comforting and bold.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne pasta: This is a great choice for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you’re out of penne, other pasta types like rotini or rigatoni work well too!
Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is best, but you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. Just shred it and skip the cooking step!
Buffalo wing sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. For a milder option, consider using a mild wing sauce or mixing your favorite hot sauce with a little melted butter.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce rich. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk works, but the sauce might be less creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano is a tasty substitute!
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a delicious creamy sauce lies in how you combine your ingredients. Start by cooking your garlic gently in butter; this enhances its flavor without burning it. When you add the cream, let it simmer briefly to thicken.
- Always whisk the cheese in gradually to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Adding buffalo wing sauce last allows you to control the heat—start with less if you’re unsure.
- Make sure to taste and adjust your seasoning before mixing in the pasta.
With these tips, you’ll create a wonderfully creamy buffalo chicken Alfredo that everyone will love!
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the penne and chicken, and another 20 minutes preparing the sauce and bringing everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, turn down the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, creating a delicious base.
4. Add the Buffalo Sauce:
Stir in the buffalo wing sauce. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the creamy buffalo sauce. Then, add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. For added flavor, feel free to drizzle some blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing on top.
Enjoy this creamy, spicy pasta that perfectly combines the rich flavors of Alfredo with the zesty heat of buffalo chicken!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Penne?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne is a great alternative and adds more fiber to the dish. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time since whole wheat pasta can cook a bit differently.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce might not be as thick and creamy, but it’ll still taste delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you love spice, consider adding chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the buffalo wing sauce quantity to match your heat preference, too!
