Craving a weeknight dinner that packs a punch? This easy homemade Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a quick family favorite made with tender chicken and penne pasta in a rich buffalo sauce. Save for later and try it tonight

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne

Introduction

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne recipe is a creative twist on traditional pasta dishes, combining the richness of Alfredo sauce, the spiciness of buffalo chicken, and the comfort of penne pasta. It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of buffalo sauce and Alfredo sauce creates a unique and exciting flavor profile that is both spicy and creamy. The ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this dish accessible to everyone.
Ease of preparation: Despite its rich and complex flavor, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. It requires basic cooking skills and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of this dish is impressive, with its creamy sauce and topped with crispy chicken and parsley. It’s sure to impress your family and friends with minimal effort required.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne include penne pasta, chicken breasts, buffalo sauce, Alfredo sauce, parmesan cheese, and parsley. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist, and use gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions. The buffalo sauce can be adjusted according to your desired level of spiciness, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the texture and flavor of the dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it’s slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the buffalo sauce and toss to combine. Then, add the Alfredo sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Finally, transfer the pasta to a serving dish and top with parmesan cheese and parsley. You can also add some extra buffalo sauce on top for extra spiciness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. Al dente pasta provides the best texture for this dish.
Adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste by adding more or less buffalo sauce. You can also add some red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in unevenly cooked chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. You can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the skillet – if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the oil is ready. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Crunch Factor

To add some crunch to the dish, you can top the pasta with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts. You can also add some crispy bacon or fried onions on top for extra texture and flavor. The key is to not overdo it, as too many toppings can overwhelm the dish. A light sprinkle of parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley can provide enough texture and flavor contrast to the creamy pasta.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use high-quality ingredients: While it’s tempting to use cheaper alternatives, high-quality ingredients like real parmesan cheese and fresh parsley can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
Don’t overcook the sauce: The Alfredo sauce can quickly become too thick and sticky if overcooked. Stir the sauce constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s combined with the pasta.
Use the right type of pasta: Penne pasta is the best choice for this dish, as its tube shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. Other types of pasta like spaghetti or linguine can become too saucy and overwhelming.

Storage Tips

Leftover storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s hot and creamy again.
Reheating tips: When reheating the pasta, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
Shelf life: The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best consumed within a day or two for optimal flavor and texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is a great dish to give as a gift, especially for friends and family who love spicy food. You can package the pasta in a cute container or jar, topped with some extra parmesan cheese and parsley. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with the recipe and some cooking instructions, and you have a thoughtful and delicious gift. You can also include some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side for a complete meal.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: You can add some dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. You can also use different types of hot sauce like sriracha or hot sauce for a unique twist.
🌟 Creative toppings: Some creative toppings you can add to the pasta include diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or chopped fresh basil. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top for extra protein.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: You can swap the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist, and use gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions. You can also use different types of cheese like mozzarella or feta for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the pasta becomes too mushy, it’s likely because it’s overcooked. Try cooking the pasta for a shorter time, and check it frequently to avoid overcooking.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find buffalo sauce, you can make your own by mixing hot sauce and butter. You can also use different types of hot sauce like sriracha or hot sauce for a unique twist.
Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken is undercooked, it will be pink in the middle and feel soft to the touch. If it’s overcooked, it will be dry and tough. Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, and check it frequently to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Simply cook the pasta according to the recipe, let it cool, and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s hot and creamy again.
Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it uses traditional penne pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute to make the dish gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two, and cook the pasta in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne recipe is a creative and delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make the dish your own, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta