If you love a little kick with your comfort food, this Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is for you! Tender pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo-buffalo sauce, loaded with juicy chicken, and topped with melted cheese — it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights!
Why You’ll Love It
- Spicy and creamy — the best of both worlds.
- Quick and easy — dinner’s ready in under an hour.
- Family favorite — cheesy, comforting, and customizable.
I like to add extra cheese because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much cheese! 🧀
Ingredients and Easy Swaps
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta
(Rotini, fusilli, or shells work too!)
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
(Rotisserie chicken saves time! Leftover grilled or baked chicken also works. For a vegetarian twist, try shredded tofu.)
Sauces
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(For dairy-free, swap in vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil water, salt it generously, and cook your pasta until al dente — tender but still firm to the bite.
Tip: Don’t rinse the pasta after draining; the starch helps the sauce stick!
3. Mix the Chicken and Sauces
In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently fold everything together until fully mixed.
5. Assemble
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve
Let the pasta cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you like — then dig in!
Tips for Success
Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Start checking the pasta a minute or two before the package’s suggested time.
- Taste it: it should be tender but with a slight bite (al dente).
Easy Mixing
- Use a big bowl to avoid making a mess.
- Gently fold the pasta with a spatula instead of stirring too hard to keep the pasta from breaking.
Common Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Any pasta that holds sauce well — like rotini, shells, or fusilli — will work perfectly.
No time to cook chicken?
No worries! Grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken, shred it up, and you’re good to go.
How to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave gently or warm in the oven. If it looks dry, stir in a splash of milk or cream.
How spicy is it?
You control the heat!
- For a milder version: use half the buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing.
- For a spicier kick: add extra buffalo sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is hearty, creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, it’s a dish that always satisfies.
Don’t forget to sprinkle on that extra cheese! 😉