Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Imagine the creamy richness of classic Alfredo sauce meeting the bold, spicy kick of buffalo chicken in one irresistible dish. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta – a comfort food mashup that delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess in every bite. The tender pasta coated in velvety sauce creates the ideal canvas for spicy buffalo chicken pieces, making this dish unforgettable from the very first forkful. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality pasta dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. The combination of smooth, garlicky Alfredo sauce with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. What makes this dish truly special is the interplay of textures – al dente pasta, tender chicken pieces, and the occasional crunch from optional blue cheese crumbles or celery garnish.

Even better, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying without hours in the kitchen. The recipe is also incredibly versatile – adjust the heat level to your preference or customize with your favorite pasta shapes. The bold flavors satisfy comfort food cravings while still feeling like something special enough for entertaining. Whether you’re a buffalo sauce enthusiast or simply looking to elevate your pasta night, this chicken buffalo pasta bake will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1½ cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: Blue cheese crumbles and diced celery for garnish

The quality of your buffalo sauce makes a significant difference in this creamy buffalo chicken pasta – look for one with good flavor and your preferred heat level. For the Parmesan, freshly grated will melt much better than pre-packaged varieties, creating that silky smooth texture that defines a perfect Alfredo sauce.

Pro Tips

Master the Pasta Cooking
For the perfect Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta, cook your pasta just until al dente – slightly firm when bitten. It will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Always reserve about ½ cup of starchy pasta water before draining; this secret ingredient can help thin your sauce if it becomes too thick while adding body and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.

Perfect the Chicken Technique
For juicy, flavorful chicken, don’t overcrowd your pan when sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to sear rather than steam. This creates a slight caramelization that adds depth to your spicy chicken alfredo pasta. A quick tip: pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure better browning.

Balance Your Buffalo Sauce
The key to this dish is finding the perfect balance between creamy and spicy. Start with less buffalo sauce than you think you need – you can always add more to taste. If you accidentally make it too spicy, add a little more cream or a tablespoon of butter to mellow the heat while maintaining that signature buffalo flavor. Remember that the heat intensifies as the dish sits, so what seems perfect now might be spicier later.

Instructions

Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5
Add the buffalo sauce to the Alfredo mixture, starting with ¼ cup and adding more to taste. Stir until completely incorporated and the sauce has a uniform color. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the buffalo Alfredo sauce.

Step 6
Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently with tongs to ensure every strand is coated in the creamy buffalo sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Let the Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta simmer together for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, and if desired, blue cheese crumbles and diced celery for the authentic buffalo chicken experience. The contrast between the creamy, spicy pasta and the cool, tangy blue cheese creates an incredible flavor combination that elevates this dish to restaurant quality.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Buffalo Alfredo
Transform your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta into a more nutritious meal by adding vegetables. Sauté bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli along with the chicken, or roast cauliflower with buffalo sauce before adding to the pasta. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add delightful texture contrasts and complementary flavors to the creamy buffalo alfredo sauce.

Lighter Buffalo Chicken Pasta
For a lighter version of this buffalo chicken pasta recipe, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the butter by half. You can also use whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta for added fiber and nutrition. For an even lighter option, swap the chicken breast for rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the sauce to warm through, reducing cooking time and effort.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
Create a crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Bake by transferring the prepared pasta to a baking dish, topping with a mixture of mozzarella and blue cheese, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This variation creates a delicious casserole-style dish perfect for potlucks or meal prep, with an irresistible cheesy crust that complements the spicy pasta beneath.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce, as cream-based pastas tend to thicken when chilled. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

For an impressive presentation, serve your buffalo chicken pasta in pre-warmed bowls topped with a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and optional blue cheese crumbles. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement the buffalo flavors. For a complete meal, add garlic bread on the side – the crispy, buttery bread provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up any remaining sauce.

Consider setting up a toppings bar when serving for guests, offering extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, and green onions so everyone can customize their Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta experience to their personal preference.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe faster?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it when the recipe calls for returning the cooked chicken to the sauce. This cuts your cooking time significantly while still delivering all the flavor of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

How can I adjust the spice level of this pasta?
The heat level is easily customizable. For milder pasta, start with just 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and adjust to taste. For spice lovers, increase to ⅔ cup buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, though cream-based pastas are best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the pasta and store the sauce separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, adding a splash of cream if needed, then combine with the pasta and heat through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work as substitutes, though the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk provides similar creaminess, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, any medium to large pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce works well. Try penne, rigatoni, or farfalle (bow ties), which have nooks and crannies that capture the buffalo Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of creamy Alfredo luxury and the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, offering that ideal balance of familiar comfort and exciting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for buffalo sauce enthusiasts or pasta lovers, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity. Make it once, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your recipe collection!

Print