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This hearty buffalo chicken alfredo pasta combines two beloved flavors into one irresistible dish. The creamy richness of alfredo sauce perfectly balances the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, creating a comforting meal that satisfies both indulgent cravings in one delicious bite.
I first created this recipe when trying to please both my buffalo-wing-loving spouse and my pasta-obsessed kids. The moment everyone went silent at the dinner table, I knew this mashup was going to become our new family favorite.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or penne pasta: Provides the perfect shape for holding all that creamy sauce
- Buffalo sauce: Brings that signature tangy heat; look for one with real butter for best flavor
- Alfredo sauce: Creates the creamy base; choose a high-quality jar or make your own for extra richness
- Shredded chicken: Saves time; use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor that complements the buffalo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect melty stretch when served hot
- Parmesan cheese: Contributes nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without the work of fresh garlic
- Onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes throughout the pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F making sure it has adequate time to reach temperature before your dish goes in. This moderate heat allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning while giving all the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil making sure to salt it generously until it tastes like the sea. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions but subtract 1 minute from the recommended time. This slight undercooking ensures your pasta won't become mushy during the baking process.
- Mix the Chicken and Sauces:
- In a spacious mixing bowl add your shredded chicken making sure it's pulled into bite-sized pieces. Pour in both the buffalo and alfredo sauces allowing that beautiful color contrast before stirring. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, distributing the seasonings evenly throughout. The mixture should have a light orange hue with specks of seasoning visible.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture:
- Add the drained pasta directly to your chicken sauce mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula fold everything together with a gentle hand to avoid breaking the pasta. Continue mixing until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy buffalo mixture ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Prepare your baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the entire pasta mixture into the dish spreading it into an even layer. Take your time here since an uneven distribution will lead to inconsistent baking.
- Bake It Up:
- Sprinkle your three cheeses evenly across the entire surface creating a complete blanket of dairy goodness. Place the dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top has spots of golden brown.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes which helps the sauce set slightly. Add optional green onions or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich pasta.
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This dish reminds me of the first time I made it during a snowstorm when we couldn't get takeout. My family was skeptical about the combination but the empty dish and requests for seconds proved this creative mashup was a keeper. The buffalo sauce from our local wing spot makes all the difference in the depth of flavor.
The Perfect Balance of Heat
Finding the right buffalo sauce is crucial to this recipe's success. I recommend starting with about 3/4 cup of buffalo sauce if you're sensitive to heat, then adjusting upward to taste. Remember that the alfredo and cheeses temper the spiciness, so the final dish won't be as hot as the sauce tastes on its own. For families with mixed spice preferences, you can always keep extra buffalo sauce on the table for those who want an additional kick.
Storage and Reheating
This buffalo chicken alfredo pasta stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight making the leftovers sometimes even better than the original dish. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent it from drying out. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, or reheat larger amounts in the oven at 325°F covered with foil until heated through.
Customization Options
This recipe welcomes many variations to suit your preferences. Try using different pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle which capture the sauce in their crevices. For a lighter version substitute the alfredo with a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. Blue cheese crumbles make an excellent addition for buffalo purists who love that classic wing accompaniment. You can even add vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or spinach to introduce more nutrition without sacrificing the comfort food appeal.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich pasta with a crisp garden salad dressed simply with vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread makes an excellent side for sopping up any extra sauce left in your bowl. For a complete buffalo wing experience serve with celery and carrot sticks on the side. This dish works beautifully for casual dinner parties alongside a light appetizer and simple dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute elbow macaroni or penne with your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine or rigatoni.
- → How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
The spice level depends on your choice of buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this dish and saves you time on cooking the chicken.
- → What’s the best garnish for this dish?
Chopped green onions or parsley make great garnishes, adding both flavor and a pop of color.