Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Spicy & Easy!

Name: Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Spicy & Easy!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine (or penne, rotini); 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water); 2 chicken breasts (diced); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup Buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk (or more heavy cream for extra richness); 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat); ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing; ¼ cup green onions (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

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By: Maria
Posted: 03/30/2025

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce and bold, spicy Buffalo chicken. This creamy, spicy, and easy pasta dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a must-try!

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Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Buffalo Chicken:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
1/3 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp butter

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Garnishes (Optional):

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Buffalo sauce for drizzling
Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing

Substitutions for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Swap fettuccine with penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta. Use shredded turkey instead of chicken. If you prefer a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. In a skillet, melt butter and toss shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring until warm. Add Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth. Mix in the Buffalo chicken and cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Buffalo sauce, and optional blue cheese crumbles. Serve hot.

Mix-ins for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Stir in cooked bacon bits for extra crunch. Add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for a veggie boost. For extra heat, mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Recipe Tips for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. For an extra Buffalo kick, drizzle more sauce before serving.

Storage for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based sauce may separate.

Recipe Variations for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Make it low-carb by swapping pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Turn it into a baked dish by transferring to a casserole dish, topping with cheese, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.

FAQs for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook the pasta fresh before serving.

What Buffalo sauce brand should I use?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any favorite Buffalo sauce will work.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes! Use 2 cups of pre-made Alfredo sauce and warm it before adding Buffalo chicken and pasta.

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components of this dish in advance. You can cook and shred the chicken, and make the Alfredo sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh right before serving, and combine everything for the best texture and flavor. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore its creaminess.

What are some good substitutions for the pasta in this recipe?

You can substitute the fettuccine or penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta options. For a lower-carb alternative, consider using zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. When using zucchini noodles, cook them briefly in the skillet with the sauce to soften. If using cauliflower rice, add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.

How do I know when the Alfredo sauce has reached the perfect consistency?

The Alfredo sauce is ready when it has slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Visually, the sauce should be smooth and creamy, with the cheese fully melted. You’ll notice a change in texture as the sauce thickens from the heavy cream and cheese. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. When doubling, use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume of sauce and chicken. You may need to cook the pasta in batches to ensure it cooks evenly. Adjust the cooking time slightly for the sauce, allowing it to simmer a bit longer to reach the desired consistency. Ensure you have enough serving bowls or a large enough serving dish.

What is the nutritional value of this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken and dairy products. The Parmesan and mozzarella cheese contribute calcium. The recipe contains healthy fats from the butter and heavy cream, but is also rich in carbohydrates from the pasta. You can boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers. Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

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