Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne has quickly become a family favorite in our household. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and packed with flavor. My family loves it because it strikes the perfect balance between heat and creaminess, and the penne pasta adds a hearty touch. If you’re someone who enjoys the kick of buffalo sauce but also craves the smoothness of a creamy Alfredo, this dish is a dream come true. It’s also so easy to make, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent yet quick to prepare. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

If you’re a fan of spicy dishes and creamy sauces, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s a twist on traditional Alfredo by adding the bold and spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. The dish is incredibly satisfying thanks to the perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy buffalo Alfredo sauce. Here’s why this recipe will become your go-to dinner:

1. Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess: The buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of spice, while the Alfredo sauce brings a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
2. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes under 30 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and filling meal.
3. Hearty and Comforting: The penne pasta adds a satisfying chew, making this dish filling and comforting, just what you need after a long day.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice in this dish depending on your preferences by using more or less buffalo sauce.
5. Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day!

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Ingredients

To make this delicious Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup buffalo sauce (choose your preferred level of spice)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Making Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is easy and quick, and you’ll have a flavorful, creamy dish in no time. Follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
   Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   You can use cooked chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
   Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly. Once the cream has heated through, add the parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Shredded Chicken:
   Stir in the shredded chicken and allow it to heat through, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan with the buffalo Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the pan from heat and transfer the pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, serves 4)

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of the dish)
• Calories: 750 kcal
• Total Fat: 43g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 1,000mg
• Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 33g

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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How to Serve

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a complete meal on its own, but there are a few ways you can elevate your meal experience:

• Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the dish with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for a true comfort-food experience.
• Pair with Drinks: A cold beer or a glass of white wine (like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) complements the spicy and creamy flavors of the dish.

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Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder buffalo sauce. For extra heat, you can increase the buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.
3. Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to cut some calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter version of cream or half-and-half, though the texture may be a little thinner.
4. Add Vegetables: Add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to make the dish even more hearty and colorful.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container and simply reheat before tossing with the pasta.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store everything in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and when you’re ready, combine them with the cooked pasta and reheat.
2. Can I use another type of pasta?
   Absolutely! If you don’t have penne, feel free to substitute with another pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.
3. Can I make this dish without buffalo sauce?
   You can substitute buffalo sauce with a different hot sauce or use a BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
   The recipe is spicy because of the buffalo sauce. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder version.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, this dish can be frozen. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be aware that the sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing.
6. Can I make this dish without cream?
   You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may not be as rich or thick.
7. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to reduce it or adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
8. Can I add cheese other than parmesan?
   Yes! You can add mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
9. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
10. Can I use low-fat cream?
    Yes, you can use low-fat cream, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different than using full-fat heavy cream.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves a bit of spice with their creamy pasta. The combination of the tangy buffalo sauce and the rich, velvety Alfredo sauce creates a unique and indulgent dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor! Enjoy!

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