Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne. This dish combines the creamy, dreamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, all tossed together with hearty penne pasta. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!
I remember the first time I made this recipe during a movie night with friends. I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe was my savior! The flavors melded together perfectly, and everyone raved about how delicious it was. Now, it’s my go-to dish for casual get-togethers and cozy weeknights alike. You’re going to love it too!
What’s in Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne?
– Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for holding onto all that creamy Alfredo sauce. I like to use whole wheat penne for a bit of extra fiber, but regular works just fine too!
– Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my favorite here. I usually season and grill it up for extra flavor but feel free to use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time!
– Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! I’m a big fan of Frank’s RedHot Sauce, which delivers that signature punchy flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy.
– Alfredo Sauce: You can make this from scratch with heavy cream, butter, and parmesan or use a jarred version if you’re in a hurry. Just don’t skimp on the creamy goodness!
– Parmesan Cheese: For that cheesy finish, I like to use freshly grated parmesan. It adds so much more flavor than the powdered stuff!
– Green Onions: These add a nice crunch and a pop of color. Plus, they’re great for garnishing!
Is Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question: is comfort food actually good for you? While Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is definitely indulgent, it does have its perks:
– Chicken Breast: Packed with protein, this lean meat helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a great way to fuel your body after a long day!
– Penne Pasta: Rich in carbohydrates, it’s perfect for providing that necessary energy boost, especially if you’re planning a little evening activity after dinner.
That said, the creamy Alfredo sauce does come with its share of calories and saturated fat, so it’s wise to enjoy this dish in moderation. If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can swap out some of the heavy cream for a low-fat option, or add in some veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces of penne pasta (serves about 4 people)
– 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– ½ cup buffalo sauce (more if you’re feeling daring)
– 1 cup heavy cream (or jarred Alfredo sauce)
– ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne?
1. Cook your penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but save about ½ cup of the pasta water!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in all that spicy goodness and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
3. Pour in the heavy cream (or Alfredo sauce) and bring it to a simmer. If you’re going the heavy cream route, let it cook for a few minutes to thicken up.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well incorporated. This will make your sauce super creamy and cheesy.
5. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and extra Parmesan sprinkled on top if you’d like!
Delicious Tips and Variations
– Feeling adventurous? Try adding some crumbled blue cheese for an extra punch!
– If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can tone down the buffalo sauce or even swap it out for BBQ sauce for a sweeter twist.
– For a heartier meal, throw in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. They add color and crunch!
I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved my weeknight dinners or wowed my friends. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with the combination of spicy and creamy just like I did! After you make it, I’d love to hear how it went and any twists you added to make it your own. Enjoy!
