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This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines two beloved flavors into one incredible comfort dish. The creamy Alfredo sauce balances perfectly with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, while tender chicken and melty cheese create a meal that satisfies both pasta lovers and wing enthusiasts alike.
I created this recipe during a game day gathering when I couldn't decide between serving buffalo wings or pasta. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering, especially during football season.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or penne pasta: provides the perfect texture and shape to hold the creamy sauce
- Buffalo sauce: delivers that signature tangy heat, adjust amount based on your spice preference
- Alfredo sauce: creates a rich creamy base that balances the buffalo spice
- Shredded chicken: adds hearty protein, look for rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience
- Cheddar cheese: contributes a sharp flavor that complements the buffalo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese: provides that perfect melty stretch when you pull a forkful
- Parmesan cheese: adds depth and saltiness to complete the cheese trifecta
- Garlic powder: infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic
- Onion powder: provides subtle savory notes throughout the dish
- Green onions or parsley: optional, but adds freshness and color to the finished dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F to ensure even cooking. This moderate temperature allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning while giving the flavors time to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil your pasta until just al dente, about a minute less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Mix the Chicken and Sauces:
- Combine shredded chicken with buffalo and Alfredo sauces in a large bowl. The warm chicken will help melt the sauces slightly, making them easier to incorporate. Add the seasonings now so they distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture:
- Add the drained pasta to your sauce mixture and fold gently until every piece is coated. Take your time here to ensure even distribution without breaking the pasta.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. This ensures consistent baking and makes serving easier.
- Bake It Up:
- Top with all three cheeses and bake uncovered until bubbly and golden. Look for that beautiful browning on top which indicates perfect doneness and maximum flavor development.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, this allows the sauce to set slightly making it easier to portion.
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This dish became legendary in our family after I made it for my brother who was visiting after a tough breakup. The comfort of this pasta literally brought a smile to his face for the first time in weeks. Now we call it Breakup Recovery Pasta even though everyone loves it for any occasion.
Making It Ahead
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The flavors actually develop beautifully during this resting time, making it even more delicious.
Adjusting The Heat Level
Buffalo sauce varies widely in spiciness between brands. For a family friendly version, start with just ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce mixed into the Alfredo and taste before adding more. You can always serve additional buffalo sauce on the side for heat lovers. Alternatively, try mixing in a tablespoon of honey to the sauce mixture to take the edge off the spice while maintaining that buffalo flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with blue cheese dressing to echo classic buffalo wing flavors. For an extra special touch, serve with garlic bread for sopping up any remaining sauce. If youre feeling indulgent, crumble some blue cheese on top of individual portions before serving for an authentic buffalo wing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni or penne pasta with any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells.
- → How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this dish?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. You can adjust it to suit your taste by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works well for this dish.
- → What can I substitute for Alfredo sauce?
You can use a homemade cream sauce, heavy cream with Parmesan, or even a light cream-based sauce as a substitute for Alfredo sauce.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
- → What’s the best garnish for this dish?
Chopped green onions or fresh parsley make a great garnish, adding color and a fresh flavor to balance the richness of the dish.