If you crave a dish that blends the creamy indulgence of Alfredo with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, then you absolutely need to try this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, combining tender shredded chicken, rich parmesan cream sauce, and spicy buffalo flavor all wrapped up in perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends for dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels decadent but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dish. Each component plays its part: the pasta provides the perfect bite, the chicken adds hearty protein, the buffalo sauce delivers zing, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with gorgeous richness.
- 1 lb penne pasta: Use quality pasta for the best texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: Shredded chicken soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: This brings the signature spicy tang that gives the dish its vibrant kick.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Essential for that ultra-smooth, luscious Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty richness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tbsp butter: Helps create a velvety base for the sauce and enhances flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic warmth and layers of taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to balance and brighten the dish.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note when serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures your pasta will be perfectly tender but still have a slight bite, ideal for carrying the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
While the pasta cooks, shred your cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce in a bowl to coat it evenly. The spicy buffalo sauce clings beautifully to the tender chicken, infusing every morsel with that classic hot wing flavor.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Lower the heat and add the buffalo-coated shredded chicken to the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to combine. Next, add the drained penne pasta, tossing it all together until every piece of pasta is smothered in the spicy, cheesy sauce. Heat through for a couple more minutes to meld all the flavors.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise, giving it a fresh, herbaceous finish that balances the richness. If you love extra heat, a few crushed red pepper flakes make a nice touch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. The acidity and crunch complement the creamy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish family-style in a big beautiful bowl for sharing, or plate it individually with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for a restaurant-quality presentation. For a fun twist, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top to echo classic buffalo flavor profiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce, so it might be a bit thicker upon reheating.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave reheating works too—just cover to keep moisture in and stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, saving time while still providing juicy, flavorful meat that pairs nicely with the buffalo sauce.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe?
The heat depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. For milder heat, pick a milder sauce or adjust the amount to your preference. You can always add more for extra spice!
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
While heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, just swap out the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand, and make sure the buffalo sauce and other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.
How do I make the dish less spicy for kids?
Use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount used. You can also add extra cream or cheese to tone down the heat while keeping it delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It’s easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne recipe combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce, tossed with tender penne pasta and shredded chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 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 al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly while bringing it to a gentle simmer. Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate buffalo sauce and chicken: Stir in the buffalo sauce, then add the cooked shredded chicken. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the chicken is coated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until all the pasta is evenly coated with the buffalo Alfredo sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the buffalo chicken Alfredo penne to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra buffalo sauce according to your taste preference.
- You can substitute grilled chicken for shredded chicken if you prefer.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
