If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and irresistibly comforting, this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the rich, velvety flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with the zesty kick of buffalo chicken, all tossed with tender penne pasta and baked to cheesy perfection. Whether you want a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and those golden, melty cheese toppings. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this scrumptious pasta delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are a beautiful balance of simple pantry staples and fresh elements that come together to create layers of flavor and textures in the dish. From creamy cheeses to spicy hot sauce and fresh herbs, each adds something special to this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe.
- 16-oz package penne pasta: Provides the perfect pasta shape to hold on to every bit of sauce and chicken.
- 22-oz jar Alfredo sauce: The creamy, buttery base that makes this dish decadently rich and satisfying.
- 8-oz container sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- 15-oz container ricotta cheese: Offers a silky texture and mild flavor that meld beautifully with the Alfredo sauce.
- 1-oz package ranch dressing mix: Boosts the flavor with classic herb and spice notes for that familiar comforting taste.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: The hearty protein that carries the buffalo flavor throughout the dish.
- ⅔ cup Frank’s hot sauce or wing sauce: The star of the show for that signature buffalo heat and tang.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a creamy yet firm texture when baked.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the richness and heat.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds stringy, gooey perfection on top.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, savory kick to complement the other cheeses.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This sets the stage for your pasta casserole to cook evenly and for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Then drain and set aside. The pasta should be firm enough to hold its shape but tender enough to absorb all the rich sauce flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, ranch dressing mix, chopped chicken, hot sauce, eggs, and fresh parsley. Then gently fold in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s all evenly coated with that delicious buffalo-Alfredo mixture. This step is where the magic really begins, blending creamy, spicy, and savory elements into a harmonious filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the pasta mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This allows the heat to distribute evenly as the pasta bakes. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust that will make your mouth water.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’ll want it bubbling and golden on top, signaling that those cheeses have melted perfectly and the dish is heated through. The result is a gorgeous, cheesy layer over a creamy, spicy pasta that’s hard to resist!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level. Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or some chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a bit more heat, a drizzle of additional hot sauce or a few crushed red pepper flakes can be perfect finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Since this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is so rich and flavorful, pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus helps balance the meal beautifully. Some garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are also great for soaking up every last bite of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual ramekins or bake it in small oven-safe bowls for personalized servings. You could also sprinkle the top with some chopped celery for crunch that echoes classic buffalo wings. This dish looks as amazing as it tastes, making it ideal for casual dinners or potluck gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this pasta casserole, assemble it completely but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed to preserve the creamy texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or rehea t the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely, frozen cooked chicken works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the sauce to keep the texture perfect.
Is this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe very spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by how much hot sauce you add. Start with â…” cup and add more if you love it spicy or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your Alfredo sauce and ranch dressing mix for gluten-free labels.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can make a simple blend of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill to mimic the flavor.
Does this recipe work with other types of pasta?
Definitely! While penne is perfect for holding sauce, you can use rotini, rigatoni, or even farfalle—the textures might change slightly but the taste will still be fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer when you want comfort food with a punch. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and packed with hearty chicken all in one dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and enjoy every cozy, flavorful forkful with your loved ones!
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Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, spicy baked pasta dish combining tender penne pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, tangy sour cream and ricotta, and flavorful shredded chicken tossed in Frank’s hot sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering comforting American flavors with a spicy Buffalo twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package penne pasta
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 (22-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Flavorings & Add-ins
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- â…” cup Frank’s hot sauce or wing sauce (or to taste)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, ranch dressing mix, chopped cooked chicken, Frank’s hot sauce, lightly beaten eggs, chopped fresh parsley, and the cooked pasta. Stir everything until well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of Frank’s hot sauce to your preference.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lower calorie version, substitute part of the cheeses with reduced-fat alternatives.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color before serving.
