Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is the kind of dish that always gets people talking at the dinner table — a mouthwatering fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce, spicy buffalo chicken, and tender penne pasta, all smothered in melty mozzarella. Whether you need a quick weeknight comfort meal or a knockout dish for friends, this recipe checks every box with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Get ready to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing favorite!

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is how a handful of straightforward, familiar ingredients can come together for something utterly irresistible. Each component plays an important role, adding flavor, richness, or the perfect satisfying bite.

Penne pasta: Ideal for catching all that luscious sauce in its ridges; cook just until al dente for the best texture.
Butter: Starts the sauce off with a luxurious, velvety base—don’t skip it!
Garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic depth that rounds out both the heat of the buffalo sauce and the richness of the cream.
Cooked shredded or diced chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut superstar, but any cooked chicken will soak up the bold, spicy sauce.
Buffalo wing sauce: The heart of all the heat and tang; you can adjust the amount for a milder or spicier dish.
Heavy cream: Provides the dreamy, silky texture that makes this Alfredo so crave-worthy and balances the buffalo kick.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that telltale Alfredo flavor and a wonderful, salty finish.
Salt and black pepper: Season the sauce to perfection—taste as you go for the just-right balance.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the pasta, creating that irresistible stretchy cheese pull.
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): A pop of freshness and color for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures your pasta holds up to the rich sauce without getting mushy later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant. This quick step is key—gentle heat brings out the garlic’s sweetness and sets up layers of flavor for your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—not a boil! Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, spicy blanket that will soon coat every bite.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta

Add your cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce so it can soak up all those bold flavors. Then, add the drained penne and toss everything together until the pasta is glossy and drenched in sauce. If things look a little thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen everything up beautifully.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese gets melty and gooey. If you’re after extra golden-bubbly goodness, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. That finishing touch makes this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne truly irresistible!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a flourish of chopped parsley or green onions, if you like. That bit of freshness lifts the whole dish and makes each serving pop with color. Serve your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne piping hot, right from the skillet or the casserole dish.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions goes a long way, adding something bright and herby to the richness of the dish. If you want an extra nod to classic buffalo flavors, toss on a few crumbles of blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance out the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce, making the meal complete and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Let this dish steal the show by serving it family-style in a big skillet or casserole for everyone to help themselves. For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ramekins and broil for personal-sized, cheesy bakes. Or turn it into a hearty buffet centerpiece at your next game-day party—guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making for a wonderful quick lunch or dinner. Just be sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it up.

Freezing

While cream sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, this pasta actually holds up surprisingly well. Let the dish cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot, stirring halfway through. For the stovetop, heat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. If you’re reheating a larger batch, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for holding all the creamy, spicy sauce, you can easily swap in rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Use whatever pasta shape you love or happen to have on hand.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne?

The heat level really depends on your buffalo sauce and personal taste. Stick to 1/2 cup for a moderate kick, or dial it up or down as needed. You can also serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for heat-seekers at the table.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne up to the final baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake or broil until hot and melty—perfect for entertaining!

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Definitely! Try substituting half and half or even whole milk for the heavy cream, and use light mozzarella if you’d like. You can also pack in extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is hands-down the fastest route, but any cooked, shredded, or diced chicken will do. Leftover roasted or grilled chicken work beautifully, soaking up all the bold, creamy buffalo sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something effortless yet utterly craveable, I can’t recommend Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne highly enough. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to win hearts every time you put it on the table. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne recipe. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

Chopped parsley or green onions (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Penne: Boil penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add buffalo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add chicken to the sauce, then mix in the cooked pasta.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover until melted. Optionally broil for a bubbly finish.
Garnish and Serve: Top with parsley or green onions and serve hot.