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I love how easy and quick this recipe is to whip up. Just cook the chicken, stir everything together, and dinner is ready to enjoy!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce. If you’re out of penne, feel free to use rigatoni or fusilli for a similar texture.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just shred it and toss it in!

Buffalo Hot Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference! If buffalo sauce isn’t available, any spicy sauce can work, just be sure to balance it with some creaminess.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half and half or use evaporated milk. However, the cream really makes the sauce rich.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a smooth sauce, but pre-grated will do in a pinch. You can also sub in Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

How Do I Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce Without Clumps?

Making a smooth Alfredo sauce is all about the right technique. Here’s how to ensure it’s creamy:

• Start with melted butter over medium heat before adding cream. This allows for a more cohesive mix.
• Whisk in the cream gently and bring it to a gentle simmer, avoiding a rapid boil which can cause separation.
• Add the cheese gradually while whisking continuously to help it melt evenly and prevent clumps from forming.

If you find lumps, don’t fret! Just blend it in a blender or use an immersion blender to make it silky smooth.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional), for serving

Time Needed:

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and then about 20 minutes preparing and combining everything. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat and set the chicken aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (don’t let it boil!). Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Everything:

Stir the buffalo hot sauce into the Alfredo sauce, adjusting the amount based on your preferred spice level. Take the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and buffalo Alfredo sauce and combine everything in the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Toss until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions. For an extra delicious touch, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top, if you like. Enjoy your creamy, spicy dish!

Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat penne will add more fiber and a nutty flavor, while gluten-free pasta can be used if you need to avoid gluten. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type of pasta you choose.

How Do I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?

To make it less spicy, start with half the amount of buffalo sauce, and then taste the sauce before adding more. You can also add more cream or cheese to tame the heat!

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Sure! To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, to give it substance. Just sauté the vegetables until tender before mixing them into the sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the pasta looks dry. Enjoy your meal again!