Name: Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

A deliciously creamy pasta dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the rich smoothness of Alfredo sauce. This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta brings together the best of both worlds for a comfort food dinner that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors. The rich Alfredo sauce mellows the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and exciting. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts provide the protein backbone of this dish, becoming tender and flavorful when coated in the buffalo sauce. You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker, more flavorful meat.

Olive oil and butter create the base for cooking the chicken, adding richness and preventing sticking while promoting beautiful browning.

Buffalo sauce brings that signature tangy, spicy kick that defines this dish. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference, or use a mild version if you’re sensitive to spice.

Pasta forms the hearty base of this meal. Penne or fettuccine work particularly well – penne catches the sauce in its tubes while fettuccine allows the sauce to cling to its flat surface.

Garlic adds aromatic depth to the Alfredo sauce. Fresh minced cloves provide the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic will work in a pinch.

Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety texture of the Alfredo sauce. This is one ingredient where substitutions can be tricky, as the fat content helps the sauce thicken properly.

Parmesan cheese gives the sauce its distinctive savory richness and helps it thicken to the perfect consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged options.

Salt and pepper should be added to taste, remembering that both the buffalo sauce and Parmesan contain natural saltiness.

Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish. They’re optional but highly recommended for both flavor and presentation.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine with the butter. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the buffalo sauce mixture. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the buffalo chicken mixture and toss again to combine.
Serve with chopped green onions as a garnish, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings at approximately 625 calories per serving. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp for a Buffalo Shrimp Alfredo.
Lower Calorie Option: Use half and half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese for a lighter version.
Extra Cheesy: Add crumbled blue cheese as a topping or mix in some mozzarella with the Parmesan for a different cheese profile.
Whole Grain: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or mix with ranch dressing for a milder version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and meld together beautifully by the next day.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Microwave reheating works in a pinch – use medium power and stir halfway through heating to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe and is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce mixture as directed in step 2.

What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?

You can make a simple buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter in a 2:1 ratio. For a milder version, increase the butter proportion.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the buffalo chicken and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Make the pasta and sauce just before serving for best texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version using cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan. There are also many plant-based cream alternatives available in stores.

What sides pair well with Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables all complement this rich pasta dish nicely.

Can I use blue cheese instead of Parmesan?

While traditional Alfredo uses Parmesan, you can certainly add some crumbled blue cheese as a topping or mix in a small amount with the Parmesan for a more authentic buffalo wing flavor profile.

How spicy is this dish?

With one cup of buffalo sauce, this dish has a moderate kick. Adjust the amount based on your preference – use less for a milder dish or add a touch of honey to tame the heat.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne and fettuccine are recommended, but any medium-sized pasta shape that can hold sauce works well. Try rotini, bowtie, or rigatoni for good alternatives.

Can I add vegetables to make it more nutritious?

Absolutely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, or peas make excellent additions. Add them when you’re combining all ingredients at the end.

What if my Alfredo sauce is too thin?

If your sauce isn’t thickening properly, try simmering it a bit longer. You can also create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish. The creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce perfectly balances the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, creating a meal that satisfies multiple cravings at once. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this pasta delivers big flavors with simple preparation. The versatility of the recipe allows for easy customization based on personal preferences and dietary needs. Give this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta a try when you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying – it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.