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I created this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo one night when I couldn't decide between wings and pasta. The combination of creamy alfredo sauce with spicy buffalo chicken was an instant hit in my house. Now it's our favorite way to enjoy pasta with a kick that gets everyone excited for dinner.
Where Comfort Food Meets Buffalo Wing Flavor
This isn't your regular alfredo sauce. I've transformed it with tangy buffalo sauce and Monterey Jack cheese that melts like a dream. The sauce clings to every piece of pasta making each bite absolutely perfect. My family loves how it brings together their favorite flavors in one amazing dish.
Everything You'll Need
- For Perfect Pasta:
- 16 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 pound penne pasta
- For That Amazing Sauce:
- ½ cup butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups whole milk room temp
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 6 ounces fresh Monterey Jack grated
- Fresh black pepper
- For Juicy Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 grilled chicken breasts cut into bites
- For Topping:
- Extra buffalo sauce if you like it spicy
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Let's Make It Together
- Get Your Pasta Going:
- Fill your big pot with water add salt and cook that penne until it's just right.
- Create The Magic Sauce:
- Melt your butter whisk in cream cheese and garlic powder until smooth. Slowly add milk buffalo sauce and cheese until it's creamy dreamy perfection.
- Warm Up The Chicken:
- Just a quick warmup in butter you don't want to overcook those nice pieces.
- Mix Everything:
- Pour that gorgeous sauce over your chicken add pasta and watch it all come together.
- Time To Serve:
- Top your bowls with blue cheese green onions and extra buffalo sauce if you're feeling spicy.
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My Best Kitchen Tips
Always grate your cheese fresh it melts so much better. Make sure your dairy items aren't cold or your sauce might get grainy. Start with less buffalo sauce you can always add more. Play around with different pasta shapes until you find your favorite.
Why You Need This In Your Life
This pasta brings together everything wonderful about buffalo wings and alfredo in one amazing dish. The sauce is perfectly creamy the chicken is tender and that hint of heat makes it absolutely irresistible. Even my picky eaters clean their plates.
Switch It Up
- Skip The Chicken: Try it with crispy tofu or just extra sauce.
- Extra Heat: A pinch of cayenne makes it extra zingy.
- Cheese Options: Pepper jack adds an extra kick.
- Make It GF: Use your favorite gluten free pasta.
Make It A Meal
We love serving this with a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread. Sometimes I put out celery sticks and extra blue cheese dressing on the side just like we do with wings. It makes dinner feel extra special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, any pasta type works well including rotini, elbows, or fettuccine. Just cook according to package instructions for al dente texture.
- → Why use room temperature ingredients?
- Room temperature dairy prevents the sauce from curdling or separating. Cold ingredients can cause the sauce to become grainy or break.
- → Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
- Fresh-grated cheese melts better for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded has additives that prevent proper melting and can make the sauce grainy.
- → What chicken can I use?
- Any cooked chicken works including rotisserie or freshly cooked. Grilled chicken adds the best flavor but isn't required.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, replace chicken with plain or buffalo-flavored tofu. You can also skip the protein and enjoy just the pasta and sauce.