Elevate your pasta game with our Buffalo Chicken Alfredo – a tantalizing blend of classic buffalo chicken wings and Italian-style pasta. This gourmet dish marries the boldness of buffalo sauce with the creaminess of Alfredo, creating a culinary masterpiece that's sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 pound uncooked penne
For the Buffalo Alfredo Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 8-ounce package full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 ounces grated fresh Monterey Jack cheese (at room temperature)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 medium grilled chicken breasts (approximately 6 ounces each), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- To Serve
- Additional buffalo sauce (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions (divided)
- Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- Large wooden spoon
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Colander
- Instructions
For the Pasta
1. Fill a large pot with 16 cups of water and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and stir. Continue heating until the water resumes a rolling boil.
3. Add 1 pound of uncooked penne to the boiling water, stirring to incorporate. Cook the penne until al dente, following the package instructions.
4. Drain the pasta well using a colander and set aside.
- For the Buffalo Alfredo Sauce (Made Simultaneously)
1. While the pasta is cooking, add ½ cup unsalted butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, swirling the pan occasionally.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add 1 8-ounce package full-fat cream cheese and 2 teaspoons garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add 1 ½ cups whole milk in small increments, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce and 6 ounces of grated fresh Monterey Jack cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted, then return the saucepan to heat.
5. Add freshly cracked black pepper and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.
6. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in small amounts of milk until the desired consistency is achieved. Set aside.
- For the Chicken
1. Return the pot used for pasta to the stovetop over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and melt it.
2. Add 2 medium grilled chicken breasts (chopped into bite-sized pieces) to the pot. Stir to incorporate and cover with a lid.
3. Warm the chicken in the pot for approximately 6 to 10 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Be cautious not to warm the chicken too long to avoid dryness.
- Final Assembly
1. Once the chicken is reheated, add the prepared buffalo Alfredo sauce to the pot. Stir to incorporate.
2. Add the prepared penne pasta and stir gently, ensuring the pasta is coated in the sauce.
3. Let the chicken Alfredo rest over low heat for 3 minutes or until the sauce is warmed to your liking.
- To Serve
1. Optional: Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce for extra kick.
2. Sprinkle with ½ cup crumbled blue cheese and ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions.
- How to Prepare
Experience the fusion of bold flavors and creamy indulgence with our Buffalo Chicken Alfredo. From boiling pasta to creating the luscious sauce, follow these steps for a gourmet experience.
- Preparation Time
In under an hour, you'll have a restaurant-worthy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo ready to impress. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful family dinner.
- Servings
This recipe generously serves 4, offering a satisfying portion for each diner. Customize with additional toppings for a gourmet touch.
- FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the sauce?
Yes, pre-shredded Monterey Jack works well, but grating fresh cheese enhances the creaminess.
2. Is buffalo sauce necessary?
Buffalo sauce adds a distinctive flavor, but you can adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
3. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely, feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape for a personalized touch.
4. How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
Whisk the sauce consistently and avoid overheating to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance and assemble them just before serving.
Savor the fusion of buffalo chicken wings and Italian pasta in our Buffalo Chicken Alfredo. With its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors, this dish transforms a regular meal into a gourmet experience. Enjoy the indulgence!