Pasta
svg30 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta – 5-Star Recipe You’ll Crave

Amy

May 27, 2025
Easy
Cuisine: American

Are you someone who can never choose between spicy Buffalo wings and creamy pasta? Then buckle up—because this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines the best of both worlds into one saucy, cheesy, flavor-packed dish. It’s rich, it’s bold, and it’s just the kind of comfort food your dinner table’s been begging for.

This pasta isn’t just a one-hit wonder either. It’s fast enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for date nights, and flavorful enough to become a household favorite. Ready to learn how to make it from scratch with pantry staples and simple steps? Let’s get saucy!

What Is Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Think of it as Alfredo’s wild cousin who loves a little heat. At its core, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish infused with the spicy tang of Buffalo sauce. Add in juicy shredded or cubed chicken—coated in buttery hot sauce—and you’ve got a fusion dish that’s unapologetically rich and irresistibly zesty.

The Alfredo sauce mellows out the spice just enough, creating a perfect balance that excites your taste buds without overwhelming them. It’s a flavor explosion that hits creamy, spicy, and savory notes all in one bite.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Buffalo Chicken Pasta

There are so many reasons this dish earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

  • Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.

  • Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the Buffalo sauce to your spice preference.

  • Comfort Food Redefined: Creamy Alfredo meets fiery Buffalo—it’s indulgent yet balanced.

  • One-Pot Wonder (Almost): With just a pot for pasta and a pan for the sauce, cleanup is a breeze.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game days, or feeding a hungry family.

Basically, it’s pasta with a punch—and it’s destined to become your new guilty pleasure.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish. Here’s everything you need to make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta from scratch.

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

  • Salted water for boiling

For the Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great!)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar

  • ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust based on spice tolerance)

  • 4 oz cream cheese (optional for extra richness)

Toppings and Garnishes:

  • Chopped parsley or green onions

  • Crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle

  • Red pepper flakes for added heat

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

While your pasta’s boiling, heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shredded or cubed chicken, seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is warmed and slightly golden.

Pro tip: Using rotisserie chicken shaves off time and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo-Buffalo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir continuously to prevent curdling.

Once it starts to bubble gently, add the cream cheese (if using), followed by shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Slowly pour in the Buffalo sauce and mix thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Combine It All

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with your Buffalo Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat every piece in that dreamy, spicy cheese sauce. Fold in your cooked chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate your pasta and top it with chopped parsley or green onions. If you like it extra spicy, sprinkle red pepper flakes. Love it creamy? Drizzle ranch or add crumbled blue cheese for a classic Buffalo pairing.

Serving Suggestions: Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is rich, so a few fresh and crunchy sides can balance the meal beautifully:

  • Side Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette

  • Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea

  • Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans make a healthy, colorful side

  • Roasted Cauliflower: A mild veggie that pairs well with spicy dishes

Storage and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you!

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

  • Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating on the stove or in the microwave to loosen the sauce.

Customization and Variations

One of the best parts about this pasta? It’s incredibly easy to customize.

Protein Swaps:

  • Shrimp Alfredo Buffalo Pasta: Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp.

  • Buffalo Tofu Alfredo: Use crispy tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.

  • Grilled Steak or Sausage: For a meatier flavor twist.

Pasta Alternatives:

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

  • Whole Wheat Pasta: For extra fiber and a nutty flavor.

  • Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash: Go low-carb without losing taste.

Spice Level Options:

  • Mild: Use less Buffalo sauce or mix with more Alfredo.

  • Medium: Stick to the original recipe ratio.

  • Spicy: Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños.

Nutritional Information (Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta)

While exact numbers depend on brands and serving sizes, here’s a general breakdown:

  • Calories: 550–650 kcal

  • Protein: 30g

  • Fat: 35g

  • Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Sodium: 900mg

  • Fiber: 2g

You can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of cream or cutting back on cheese.

Cooking Tips for the Best Buffalo Alfredo Pasta

Don’t Skip the Garlic

Garlic lays the flavor foundation of this dish. Fresh garlic will always beat out powder for depth and aroma.

Control the Heat

Always taste as you go when adding Buffalo sauce. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back!

Cheese Matters

Use freshly grated cheese—it melts better and creates a smoother, creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Add Veggies

Want to sneak in more nutrients? Stir in cooked spinach, peas, or mushrooms at the end.

Make It a Meal to Remember

While this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is satisfying on its own, you can turn it into a full-blown feast with just a few extra touches. Imagine starting with a crisp Caesar salad or some baked zucchini fries to balance the richness of the sauce. And if you really want to impress your guests (or just treat yourself), serve it with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy, spicy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill bellies—it creates memories.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

This pasta dish isn’t just for immediate indulgence—it’s also a smart choice for weekly meal prep. The bold Buffalo flavor actually deepens after a day or two in the fridge, and the sauce stays luscious with just a touch of added cream or milk when reheating. Pack it into individual containers with a handful of steamed veggies or a side salad, and you’ve got a lunch that’ll have you counting down the minutes until break time.

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce is creamier and more flavorful. If you’re in a pinch, use your favorite store-bought version and add a splash of Buffalo sauce to it.

Is this dish too spicy for kids?
It depends on the amount of Buffalo sauce used. You can cut the heat by reducing the sauce and adding extra cheese or cream to mellow it out.

What’s the best Buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is a fan favorite, but any high-quality wing sauce works. Look for a balanced mix of vinegar and spice.

Can I bake this pasta?
Absolutely! Pour the mixed pasta into a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes for a cheesy casserole twist.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan cheese. Several brands offer excellent non-dairy Alfredo sauce options, too.

Final Thoughts: Why Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation

When you blend the heat of Buffalo wings with the velvety richness of Alfredo pasta, magic happens. It’s bold, it’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and most of all—it’s comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta checks all the right boxes.

Ready to fire up your skillet and stir in some spice? Trust us—your taste buds will thank you.

If you’re craving more flavorful fusion dishes or need dinner ideas with big payoffs and low stress, this Buffalo Alfredo pasta recipe is your golden ticket. Don’t just save it—share it, cook it, love it. And if you’ve got your own spicy twist, we’d love to hear it!

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Which one will you make tonight?