Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a great choice. It combines creamy alfredo sauce with spicy buffalo flavor, making it a unique dish. The tender chicken and melted cheese blend well with the penne pasta, which holds the sauce nicely. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Next, let’s explore the history and origins of this flavorful recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why will you love this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne recipe? This dish blends creamy alfredo and spicy buffalo sauce, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.

The tender chicken and melted cheese add even more taste, while penne pasta perfectly holds the sauce. You’ll appreciate how quick and easy it’s to prepare, taking under 30 minutes, especially when you use pre-cooked chicken. Additionally, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Plus, it’s versatile—you can switch up the pasta type or spice level to suit your preferences. You can even add optional toppings like blue cheese crumbles or green onions.

With a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy days or comforting dinners.

History

Penne pasta has a fascinating history that dates back to 1865, when Giovanni Battista Capurro invented it in San Martino d’Albaro, a neighborhood in Genoa, Italy. He created a diagonal cutting machine for fresh pasta, inspired by the quill pen, as the diagonal cut resembled the nib of fountain and dip pens. Initially, penne had a golden color due to saffron, but it’s now made from durum wheat and water. Over time, penne evolved into various forms, including penne rigate and pennoni. Its popularity quickly spread beyond Liguria, becoming a staple in Italian cuisine and globally recognized. Penne ranks second in Italian pasta preferences, showcasing its versatility that allows it to pair well with many sauces, making it a beloved choice in countless recipes.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 pound uncooked penne
– 2 medium grilled chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces, or 2 cups shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
– 1 ½ cups whole milk, or 2 24 oz jars of store-bought Alfredo sauce
– ¼ cup or 1 cup buffalo sauce depending on the desired level of spiciness
– 1 ½ cups grated fresh Monterey Jack cheese
– ¾ cup blue cheese dressing, or 1 cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded mozzarella

Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown.

Once done, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it if using rotisserie chicken.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until it thickens, then incorporate Parmesan cheese to create a rich Alfredo sauce.
In the same saucepan, combine the Alfredo sauce with buffalo sauce, stirring over medium-low heat until both sauces are well combined and heated through.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling water until al dente.
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and the sauce. Stir in the grated Monterey Jack cheese until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with optional blue cheese crumbles, diced green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Extra Tips:
When making Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne, make certain that all dairy products are at room temperature before you begin cooking to prevent curdling in your sauces. This recipe offers a unique take on traditional buffalo chicken flavors, encouraging creativity in the kitchen with versatile ingredients.

You can also adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce you use, catering to your taste preferences.

For added texture and flavor, consider garnishing the dish with blue cheese crumbles or fresh herbs before serving.

Enjoy this comforting meal with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete dining experience!

Final Thoughts

While enjoying Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne, you’ll appreciate the balance of flavors and textures that come together in this dish.

With 473 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying option that packs a protein punch, making it a great meal choice. Additionally, this dish is a good source of protein, providing 87% of your Daily Value.

The ease of preparation, taking just 10-15 minutes of prep and 20-25 minutes of cooking, means you can whip it up quickly.

Plus, you can customize it to fit your health goals by using whole grain pasta or lighter sauces like cottage cheese.

Freshly grated cheese enhances the dish’s creaminess, while adjusting the buffalo sauce allows you to control the heat.

FAQ

Have you ever wondered about the best ways to prepare Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne or how to customize it? You can use any pasta type, like penne or rotini, and grilled or rotisserie chicken works great.

For the sauce, combine buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and grated Monterey Jack cheese. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour! If you like it spicier, adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste. This recipe is inspired by the popular buffalo chicken dip that was introduced in 2010.

Feel free to add toppings like crumbled blue cheese, green onions, or even extra paprika for more flavor. You can also prepare this dish using a stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot, depending on your preference.

Enjoy experimenting with it to find your perfect combination!