Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy Buffalo sauce. This recipe combines classic Alfredo flavors with a tangy Buffalo twist, making it a perfect hearty meal for fans of bold, savory dishes.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
Pasta
- 16 cups water
- 1 pound penne pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
- 6 oz fresh Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then shred or dice it. Toss the shredded chicken with ¼ cup buffalo sauce and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring 16 cups of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta without rinsing to retain starch that helps sauce cling.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce Base: While pasta cooks, melt ½ cup of softened butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese and stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 6 ounces of grated Monterey Jack cheese and ½ cup crumbled blue cheese. Continue to stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta directly into the warm cheese sauce. Toss gently to ensure all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Buffalo Chicken: Gently fold the Buffalo-coated shredded chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time (¼ cup increments) until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust any seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor if desired.
Notes
- For spicier heat, increase the amount of buffalo sauce mixed with the chicken or add hot sauce when making the Alfredo sauce.
- Do not rinse pasta after draining to help the sauce adhere better.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before melting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Alfredo, creamy pasta, buffalo chicken pasta, spicy Alfredo, easy chicken dinner, comfort food