Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is where comfort food gets a spicy, creamy upgrade! Imagine tender penne pasta swirled in a silky, cheese-laden Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy buffalo chicken – all finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The zingy heat of buffalo sauce meets rich Parmesan and mozzarella, creating an irresistible fusion that’s truly the best of both worlds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry weeknight crew or treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers flavor, warmth, and a little kick in every creamy bite.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne lies in how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bold, creamy, and totally crave-worthy. Each component brings something special, from texture and richness to an eye-catching finish.

Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the creamy sauce for maximum indulgence in every forkful.
Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil is the perfect way to heat things up and prevent sticking while flavoring the chicken.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie or grilled chicken works wonders – it soaks up the buffalo sauce and keeps things easy.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The heart of that signature spicy tang; adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
Butter: Melts into the base of your Alfredo, building a rich and glossy sauce.
Garlic (minced): Just a few cloves bring fragrant warmth to the dish.
Heavy Cream: The key to that lush, ultra-silky Alfredo texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, cheesy depth you just can’t fake.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts right in for extra creaminess and a delightful cheese pull.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing the spicy, savory flavors throughout.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: This final flourish adds color and a pop of freshness.
Optional Crumbled Blue Cheese or Ranch Drizzle: For extra richness or a cooling touch to tame the heat.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions – you want noodles that hold their shape under all that creamy sauce. Once they’re ready, drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Warm and Sauce the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Toss in your cooked shredded chicken, then pour over the buffalo wing sauce. Stir to make sure every shred gets coated with spicy goodness, then remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm while you start the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Alfredo Base

In that same skillet, melt the butter until it foams, then add your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant, so you don’t risk burning. Gently pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a soft simmer. This is when the magic happens – stir in your Parmesan and mozzarella, watching as they melt down into a rich, creamy sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the drained penne and buffalo chicken right into the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece is smothered in sauce and the chicken is heated through. Let it bubble for an extra minute if you love those edges turning a little golden and toasty.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne into bowls or onto plates while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle on a generous handful of chopped parsley, and if you’d like, a bit of crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch. Prepare yourself for creamy, spicy comfort on a fork!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Garnishes

Top your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of green and an herby finish. For those who adore contrasting flavors, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a zig-zag of ranch dressing lends a cool, tangy balance to the heat and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and hearty, but pairing it with a crisp house salad helps balance its decadence. A side of garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for swiping up extra sauce, and steamed broccoli or roasted veggies can round things out with a nutritious pop of color.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or pile it high in a rustic family-style bowl for a cozy, communal feel. For game day, bake it in a casserole topped with extra mozzarella and broil for a bubbly, golden finish that’s ready to dig into straight from the oven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a great lunch or quick dinner option even a day or two later. Just keep the garnishes separate until serving for freshest results.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and allow to cool before sealing. Freeze for up to two months. Note that creamy sauces can separate after freezing, but a gentle reheat with a splash of cream helps restore the dreamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne to a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream before reheating to keep the sauce luscious. Warm over medium-low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring gently in between.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or opt for a milder variety. Adding a bit more cream or cheese can also help temper the heat, making this dish adaptable for everyone—from spice lovers to those who prefer things mild.

What type Main Course

Rotisserie chicken is quick and juicy, but grilled chicken breast or leftover roasted chicken are fantastic choices too. The most important thing is that the chicken is cooked and shredded, so it easily mixes into the sauce and picks up all that buffalo flavor.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat and toss everything together, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to bring back the creamy consistency.

Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

Certainly! Swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream, use reduced-fat cheeses, or serve smaller portions with a big green salad. You can also add extra steamed broccoli or baby spinach to boost the veggie factor with minimal extra calories.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy?

The key is gentle heat and frequent stirring. After adding the cheese, keep the sauce just at a simmer (never boiling) and stir until smooth. For leftovers, always add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to revive that luscious texture.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne earns a permanent spot in any comfort food lineup. You get spice, creaminess, and that homemade-pasta-night satisfaction—all with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every forkful. Trust me, your dinner crowd is going to ask for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and spicy flavors of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne. This dish combines tender penne pasta, shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Buffalo Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce

Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley
Optional: crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle

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Instructions

Cook Penne: Prepare penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil, add chicken and buffalo sauce. Set aside once coated.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and buffalo chicken to sauce. Toss to combine. Serve garnished with parsley and optional cheese or ranch.