Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne: A Beginner's Guide to a Flavorful, Creamy Meal

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: The chicken breast provides lean protein and is easy to work with. You’ll cut it into bite-sized pieces to make cooking quicker and more even. If you prefer dark meat, you can swap this out for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is used to sauté the chicken and add flavor while preventing it from sticking to the pan. You can substitute olive oil with another cooking oil like vegetable oil or canola oil.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder gives the chicken a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a pop of color to the chicken. You can swap this for cayenne pepper for a more intense kick, or skip it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning to bring out the flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning as needed.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds richness to the Alfredo sauce. You could use margarine as a substitute, but butter will give a creamier texture and better flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is best, but if you don’t have it, garlic powder is a fine substitute.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Heavy cream is the base of the creamy Alfredo sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version or use milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan gives the sauce that signature sharp and nutty flavor. You can use any type of grated hard cheese if you prefer a different taste, but Parmesan is classic.
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: Buffalo sauce is what gives this dish its bold, spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. If you want to tone it down, use less, or if you’re a spice lover, add more!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the richness of the cream and enhances the flavors of the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth to the sauce.

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the Chicken Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally as the chicken cooks for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.

2. 2

   Prepare the Sauce In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—if it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. After 2-3 minutes, the cream should thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more cream or a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. <

3. 3

   id=”instruction-step-3″>3. Combine Pasta and Chicken Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked penne pasta and the chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy buffalo sauce. <

4. 4

   id=”instruction-step-4″>4. Serve Divide the pasta into serving bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!