Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Penne pasta coated in rich, cheesy sauce blends with spicy buffalo chicken for a satisfying meal everyone enjoys.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 ounces penne pasta
→ Sauce Base
02 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 -
2 cups whole milk
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
→ Cheeses
06 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
08 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Protein
11 -
1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
12 -
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
→ Garnish
13 -
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly without rinsing and set aside.
02 -
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming. Whisk in flour continuously for one minute until golden but not browned to eliminate raw flour taste.
03 -
Slowly whisk in whole milk followed by heavy cream. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, ensuring a smooth texture.
04 -
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Return to low heat and stir until cheeses fully melt and sauce is silky. Thin with milk if needed.
05 -
Fold cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce into the sauce. Stir gently and season with salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the inherent saltiness of buffalo sauce and cheeses.
06 -
Add drained penne to the skillet. Gently toss with tongs until pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and avoid overcooking fresh chicken to maintain tenderness.
02 -
Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining to thin sauce if needed.
03 -
Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess; avoid microwave reheating which can cause separation.
04 -
Substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerance, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
05 -
Adjust spiciness by modifying the amount or heat level of buffalo sauce used.