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Buffalo chicken alfredo pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food when you want something rich and boldly flavored with just a bit of heat. This recipe brings together velvety homemade alfredo and spicy buffalo sauce for a creamy pasta that always vanishes fast at my house.
The first time I made this, I was surprised by how the tangy buffalo and smooth cheese sauce made my kids clear their plates. It became a sports night tradition we look forward to all week.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Penne pasta: gives the best bite and coats well with sauce
- Butter: forms the rich base of your homemade roux
- Flour: thickens your sauce and helps bind cheese smoothly
- Milk: lightens up the cream sauce so it is not too heavy
- Heavy cream: adds silkiness and indulgence
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts creamy and stretchy
- Grated Parmesan cheese: provides sharp, nutty depth
- Garlic powder: lets you layer in savory flavor without mincing
- Onion powder: brings roundness and subtle warmth
- Cooked shredded chicken: saves time and soaks up sauce easily (try rotisserie for convenience)
- Buffalo sauce: creates the signature tang and gentle heat (use your favorite brand for best results)
- Salt and pepper: finish and balance the flavors
- Chopped parsley: adds an aromatic touch plus color on the plate (pick fresh leaves if you can)
How to Make It
- Prepare the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add flour. Whisk the mixture for about one minute until it turns into a smooth paste. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Do not rush this step so you avoid lumps and get a silky sauce.
- Add the Cheese:
- When the base sauce thickens slightly, stir in shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Keep stirring gently until the cheeses are fully melted and your sauce is creamy with no grainy bits.
- Mix in the Buffalo Chicken:
- Gently fold in the cooked shredded chicken along with buffalo sauce. Stir thoroughly so every piece of chicken gets coated in spicy creamy goodness. Taste and add salt and pepper if you want the flavors a notch brighter.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add your cooked penne pasta right into the skillet. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together so the pasta is enveloped in the buffalo alfredo sauce. If sauce is too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon the pasta into warm bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for fresh color. The aroma draws everyone in so don’t be surprised if you see clean plates in minutes.
Mozzarella is my personal favorite in this dish because it melts into that perfect stretch and silk. My family’s best memory with this recipe is after a chilly soccer game when we all sat around the table, still in our jackets, devouring every bite.
Flavor Boosters
Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer another shape. If mozzarella is not handy, Monterey Jack gives similar results. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side for hot sauce lovers. A crisp green salad with ranch dressing balances the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread makes a crowd-pleasing addition too.
Creative Twists
Fold in steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies. Roast a red bell pepper to add smoky sweetness and brighten color. In spring, finish with chives instead of parsley.
Taste your buffalo sauce before adding the full amount so you get the heat level just right for your crew. This dish is sure to be a family favorite every time you make it.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken in this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred and mix it into the sauce for added convenience and flavor.
- → How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
Buffalo sauce brings moderate heat, but you can adjust the amount or choose a milder brand to suit your preference.
- → Can different pasta shapes be used?
Absolutely! Penne is classic, but rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni also work well and hold the sauce beautifully.
- → Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, leftovers reheat well. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- → What cheeses work best here?
Mozzarella gives meltiness while Parmesan adds depth. For extra flavor, try a little provolone or cheddar.