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Dive into this mouthwatering blend of smooth and spicy with our Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne. This dish combines the rich creaminess of traditional Alfredo with a zesty buffalo chicken kick, making an unforgettable pasta meal that turns simple ingredients into something amazing. The mix of perfectly cooked penne, juicy shredded chicken, and a decadent cheese sauce with buffalo flavors creates a taste combo that'll have everyone asking for more.
I've cooked this pasta so many times for family get-togethers, and it always brings smiles around the table. Even my picky teenager who usually stays away from spicy stuff asks for this dish all the time - that's how well the flavors work together.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Penne Pasta: Go for good pasta with texture that'll grab onto all that yummy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This makes your sauce super smooth and rich - don't try using lighter stuff or it might break apart.
- Buffalo Sauce: Pick a good brand with the right mix of heat and tang, Frank's RedHot works great for this.
- Parmesan and Mozzarella: Grate it yourself for better melting and tastier results than the pre-packaged kind.
- Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken to save time or poach some chicken breasts yourself for the best texture.
Crafting Your Spicy Alfredo Masterpiece
- Cooking The Pasta:
- Get your water really boiling with plenty of salt. Toss in your penne and cook it until it's got that perfect bite, around 11 minutes, but taste it to make sure it's just right.
- Making The Base:
- Grab a big, sturdy pan and melt your butter until it's bubbly but not brown. Throw in your chopped garlic and stir it around for exactly a minute so it doesn't burn and gets nice and fragrant.
- Adding The Cream:
- Pour your heavy cream in while keeping your whisk moving. Add your buffalo sauce and Italian herbs, then let everything bubble gently until it starts getting thicker and sticks to your spoon.
- Mixing In Cheese:
- Slowly add both cheeses while stirring in swooping motions. Keep going until your sauce looks silky and coats your spoon beautifully.
- Putting It Together:
- Mix in your chicken chunks so they're all covered in sauce. Add your cooked penne and toss everything gently until all the pasta is nicely coated.
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My folks really can't get enough of the buffalo flavor in this dish - it adds just the right amount of kick without being too much. We've tried lots of brands, but Frank's RedHot Buffalo sauce always works best for us, and we now consider it our go-to choice.
Great Side Dish Ideas
Make this a full dinner by adding some crusty garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad. If you want to get fancy, try some roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus on the side.
Make It Your Own
Try using grilled shrimp instead of chicken or throw in some cooked mushrooms for extra texture. If you want something a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half in place of heavy cream, though it won't be quite as decadent.
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra pasta in a sealed container and it'll stay good for about three days. When you want to eat it again, add a little splash of cream and warm it up slowly on medium-low, giving it a stir now and then to keep the sauce nice and creamy.
I've made tons of pasta dishes through the years, but this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is something really special to me. It hits that sweet spot between cozy and exciting, familiar yet fresh. Whenever I make it, I'm reminded why straightforward, well-made food often creates the best memories around the table.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Is this super spicy?
- It's got moderate heat, but feel free to tweak the buffalo sauce for your preference.
- → Can rotisserie chicken be used?
- Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time—just shred it and stir it in.
- → What sides go well?
- Pair with roasted veggies or a light green salad for contrast.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
- Replace the chicken with mushrooms or your go-to meat substitute.
- → What’s the best way to reheat?
- Microwave or warm it up on the stove with a little splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.