Easy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe with a Spicy Kick

Creamy buffalo chicken alfredo penne delivers a spicy twist on classic comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this zesty dish combines tender chicken with a fiery sauce.

Rich and velvety alfredo blends seamlessly with bold buffalo heat for an unforgettable meal.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors that leap off the plate.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks can easily whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering pasta creation.

Why Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Wins Dinner Time

• Combine creamy Alfredo sauce with zesty buffalo sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend that transforms ordinary pasta into an exciting dinner experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easily adjust spice levels by controlling buffalo sauce quantity, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences from mild to extra hot, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Using just one skillet for cooking chicken and preparing sauce means less washing up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients Needed for This Bold Chicken Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Proteins:- Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the pasta dish. Best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking.

• Blue Cheese: Tangy cheese that provides a sharp, distinctive topping. Crumbled style works best for garnishing.

Pasta:- Penne: Classic tube-shaped pasta that catches sauce beautifully. Whole wheat or regular pasta options work well.

Sauce Components:- Heavy Cream: Rich base that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce texture. Full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, aged cheese that adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Freshly grated provides superior flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy condiment that gives the dish its signature kick. Adjust amount based on heat preference.

Aromatics and Seasonings:- Garlic, Garlic Powder: Provides warm, deep flavor foundation. Fresh minced garlic offers more intense taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and mild color to the chicken. Smoked or sweet varieties work well.

Cooking Fats:- Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken with a light, clean flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.

• Butter: Creates rich base for sauce and adds creamy texture. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.

Optional Garnishes:- Green Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds brightness. Adds color and mild onion flavor.

Steps to Make Creamy Buffalo Alfredo Penne

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook while stirring occasionally until chicken turns golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Buffalo sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Continue simmering until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Blend Pasta And Protein

Return cooked chicken to skillet with penne pasta. Gently toss everything until pasta and chicken are completely coated with luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Plate And Garnish

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Extra buffalo sauce drizzle

Tips for Keeping This Dish Perfectly Balanced

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, making the dish mild or extra hot depending on personal preference.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled turkey for quick meal preparation and different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use blue cheese crumbles or swap with feta for tangy variations that complement the buffalo sauce's bold taste.
• Creamy Consistency Tip: Stir sauce continuously and maintain low-medium heat to prevent separation and ensure smooth, velvety texture.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight container for 34 days, gently reheating with splash of cream to restore original creamy consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the buffalo chicken alfredo penne will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain sauce consistency. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• The creamy alfredo sauce separates when frozen, compromising texture and flavor. Best consumed within 3-4 days of original preparation.

Side Ideas to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Alfredo

• Perfectly Paired Beverages for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne
• Choose a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) with citrusy notes to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the spicy buffalo kick.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that balances the dish's heat and creaminess while cleansing the palate.
• Serve an ice-cold glass of milk or creamy ranch dressing on the side to neutralize the buffalo sauce's spiciness and provide a cooling contrast.
• Blend a non-alcoholic citrus spritzer with sparkling water, lime juice, and a splash of hot sauce to mirror the buffalo chicken's vibrant flavor profile.

Fun Variations for This Flavorful Penne Dish

Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Alfredo: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the dish’s creamy, spicy flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Select dairy-free buffalo sauce to create a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, tangy notes.

Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Pasta: Substitute chicken with crispy roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives like seasoned jackfruit or tofu. Maintain the buffalo sauce and creamy Alfredo elements for a satisfying meat-free meal.

Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content. Keep the buffalo chicken and creamy sauce components intact for a lighter, vegetable-based interpretation of the classic recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne brings spicy Italian-American fusion to dinner tables. Zesty buffalo sauce and tender chicken meld with rich parmesan sauce, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 453 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (12 oz / 340 grams) penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Additional buffalo sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a robust flavor base by seasoning chicken with aromatic spices. Sear the meat in a heated skillet with olive oil until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, ensuring each piece is evenly browned and tender.
2. Transform the same skillet into a creamy sauce canvas by melting butter and infusing it with minced garlic. Gently introduce heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a luxurious consistency.
3. Elevate the sauce’s complexity by integrating Parmesan cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and carefully balanced seasonings. Continuously stir to achieve a silky, harmonious blend that coats the palate with rich, spicy notes.
4. Merge the al dente penne pasta with the succulent chicken pieces, gently folding them into the velvety buffalo-infused alfredo sauce. Ensure each pasta strand is generously embraced by the flavorful coating.
5. Present the dish in individual servings, crowned with crumbled blue cheese for a sharp contrast, sprinkled green onions for freshness, and an optional drizzle of additional buffalo sauce to intensify the heat and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking, ensuring tender meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Control spice levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity; start with less and gradually add more for personalized heat intensity.
• Consider using whole wheat penne for added nutritional value and a nutty undertone that complements the creamy sauce.
• Prevent sauce separation by maintaining low-medium heat and stirring consistently when adding cheese and cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg