If you’re searching for a bold, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s sure to impress, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is about to become your new weeknight hero. This recipe brings together the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, the comforting richness of Alfredo, and the hearty bite of penne pasta in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something cozy and indulgent, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is loaded with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is how it transforms a handful of familiar ingredients into something crave-worthy. Each component plays an important part, from the tangy buffalo sauce to the creamy cheese, making every bite exciting and deeply comforting.

Penne pasta: Its sturdy shape catches all the luscious sauce, making each mouthful extra satisfying.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic, building flavor from the very first step.
Cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie): Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving shortcut that brings instant tenderness and flavor.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves pack a punch, infusing the dish with savory depth.
Heavy cream: The backbone of that irresistibly silky Alfredo sauce.
Buffalo wing sauce: Provides tang, heat, and the signature zip that makes this dish unforgettable.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the sauce its dreamy, stretchy texture and a gentle creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out and balancing the flavors to your taste.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and brightness for the perfect final touch.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain well and set aside. This step creates the sturdy, toothsome base that soaks up all that spicy, creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Warm the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Add your shredded chicken and stir gently, letting it warm through and absorb some garlicky flavor.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo wing sauce, stirring everything together so the flavors mingle. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted, creating a tangy, creamy sauce that smells downright irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne pasta right into the skillet and toss until every piece is coated with that spicy, cheesy goodness. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and keep stirring until it melts into the sauce, making it thick and extra creamy.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, zippy finish.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. For a little extra flair, you can even sprinkle a touch more Parmesan or a drizzle of buffalo sauce right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and bold, so it’s perfect alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. If you want to lean into comfort food territory, serve with warm garlic bread to help scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne in individual ramekins and broil with a little extra mozzarella for a bubbly, golden top. Or, for a game day gathering, scoop it into mini bread bowls for a playful, hand-held presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce. Stir well so the cheese melts smoothly back into the pasta.

FAQs

How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne?

The heat level is totally customizable! Use less buffalo sauce for a milder dish, or amp it up if you love a good kick. Everyone can make it just right for their tastes.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. While penne is classic for holding the sauce, rotini, rigatoni, or even shells work beautifully with the creamy, cheesy texture of this dish.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut—just pull it apart with two forks. If you’re using cooked chicken breasts, let them cool slightly before shredding to keep the pieces tender and juicy.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the pasta and sauce, then store covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can lighten things up by swapping in half-and-half for the heavy cream, using less cheese, or adding steamed broccoli or baby spinach for extra veggies and fiber.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and just a little bit spicy, it’s time to give Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne a spot in your dinner rotation. With its irresistible blend of flavors and easy, one-pan prep, this dish is sure to win over friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to pull up a chair at your table. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

A creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne that combines tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a kick of buffalo wing sauce for a delicious and comforting pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken and Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Garnish

Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to build the flavor base for the sauce.
Warm Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it absorbs some garlic flavor.
Prepare Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo wing sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly, coating each piece evenly with the buffalo Alfredo sauce.
Incorporate Mozzarella: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and continue until melted and the sauce achieves a cheesy, creamy texture.
Season and Serve: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

Adjust the buffalo wing sauce quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
For extra richness, adding a tablespoon of butter to the sauce enhances the creaminess.
This dish pairs excellently with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to complete the meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American