Description
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish combining tender shredded chicken tossed in a rich buffalo cream sauce with penne pasta. This quick and flavorful recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and cheesy goodness, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated with the buffalo cream sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir gently to evenly distribute the sauce over the pasta and chicken.
- Serve: Plate the buffalo chicken alfredo penne immediately. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to speed up preparation time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer to reduce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
