Buffalo Chicken Alfredo: A Spicy & Creamy Pasta Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo: Prepare to ditch your boring weeknight dinners because this creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible dish is about to become your new obsession! Imagine the rich, comforting embrace of classic Alfredo, but with a fiery kick of buffalo sauce and tender, juicy chicken. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

While Alfredo sauce itself boasts Italian origins, this particular fusion is a modern American creation, born from our love of both comfort food and bold flavors. It cleverly marries the comforting familiarity of pasta with the zesty, tangy heat of buffalo wings, a true testament to culinary creativity. The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo lies in its perfect balance. The creamy Alfredo mellows the intensity of the buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and exciting to the palate.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly delicious! The combination of creamy, cheesy sauce, spicy buffalo chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply divine. Second, it’s relatively quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo is guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic)
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Extra Buffalo wing sauce
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, we need to get our chicken ready. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. You can either slice them into bite-sized pieces before cooking, or cook them whole and shred them later – I prefer slicing them first because it cooks faster and more evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated with the spices. The cayenne pepper is what gives it that Buffalo kick, so adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
4. Add Buffalo Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the Buffalo wing sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb all that delicious flavor. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.

Making the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cream has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. The heat from the cream will melt the cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
4. Season the Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the sauce. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: While you’re working on the chicken and Alfredo sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and can be used to adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce.
3. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce cling to it.

Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Add Buffalo Chicken: Add the Buffalo chicken to the pasta and Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to combine, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
3. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of extra Buffalo wing sauce, if desired. You can also offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, comforting Alfredo sauce, kicked up a notch with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce and tender, juicy chicken, creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and excitement, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a truly unforgettable meal.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Forget complicated recipes that take hours to prepare; this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, reducing food waste and saving you even more time. But the real reason it’s a must-try is the taste. The creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the spicy buffalo chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s comfort food with a kick, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo is delicious on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few simple additions. Consider serving it with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. For a more substantial meal, add some steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp or even vegetarian chicken substitutes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo wing sauce. You can also experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine would work beautifully in this dish. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some extra parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before serving.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience a culinary adventure.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo success!