1 Shares

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines spicy shredded chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and loads of gooey cheese, all baked together with tender pasta. It’s a bold, comforting dish that’s perfect for when you crave something rich, cheesy, and full of flavor — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce:

8 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta
1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to preference)
1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Chicken and Cheese:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken and Sauces
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is coated well.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture, ensuring the pasta is fully covered.

Step 5: Assemble in a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Nutrients

(Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: 500–600 kcal
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: 30–40 g
Fat: 25–30 g
Saturated Fat: 12–15 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sugar: 3–5 g
Sodium: 800–1000 mg

Origins and Inspiration Behind Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a fusion of two beloved American comfort food classics. On one side, there’s buffalo chicken — a spicy, tangy, buttery creation that originated in Buffalo, New York, and became a national sensation, particularly as a party appetizer or bar food. On the other side, Alfredo pasta, with its rich and creamy sauce, offers a decadent, soothing contrast.

The marriage of these two dishes takes the best parts of each: the fiery kick of buffalo sauce and the luxurious creaminess of Alfredo. Together, they create a balanced flavor profile that’s bold without being overwhelming, spicy yet mellowed by the creaminess, and exciting yet deeply comforting. It’s the kind of inventive twist on tradition that has helped modern American comfort food evolve into something even more satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are endless reasons to love Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta. First, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The bold, tangy heat from the buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the mild, creamy Alfredo, creating a dish that’s flavorful but not overpoweringly spicy. Even those who shy away from super spicy foods often find this pasta perfectly balanced.

Second, it’s incredibly easy to make. Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken cuts down on prep time, and combining store-bought buffalo and Alfredo sauces keeps it simple while still delivering rich flavor. In less than an hour, you have a homemade meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Third, it’s customizable. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce, use your favorite cheeses, or even sneak in some extra veggies like spinach or broccoli for a little added nutrition.

Lastly, it’s a comfort food powerhouse. It’s cheesy, creamy, saucy, spicy — everything you could want when you’re in need of a seriously satisfying meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta

While Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is definitely a rich and indulgent dish, it still offers some solid nutritional value. The chicken provides a hefty dose of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied longer.

Pasta supplies carbohydrates, your body’s main source of energy, making this meal particularly filling and energizing. By using whole-grain pasta or high-protein pasta options, you can easily boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.

Cheese, while rich, offers calcium, vitamin A, and additional protein. When eaten in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. Meanwhile, buffalo sauce often contains vinegar and spices that can help stimulate digestion, and homemade Alfredo sauces can be modified to include lighter ingredients if you’re looking for a slightly healthier spin.

Perfect Occasions for Serving This Dish

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is versatile enough to be served at a wide range of occasions:

Family Dinners: It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone, from kids to adults.

Game Day or Parties: Its bold flavors and cheesy goodness make it a natural fit for casual gatherings and potlucks.

Weeknight Meals: Thanks to the use of pre-cooked chicken and store-bought sauces, this meal comes together quickly without sacrificing homemade flavor.

Special Comfort Meals: When you want a dish that feels like a big warm hug, Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a perfect choice.

Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a smart option for preparing meals ahead of a busy week.

Whenever and wherever you serve it, you can be sure it will disappear fast and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Cooking Tips for the Best Results

A few simple tips can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta from good to exceptional. First, be sure to cook your pasta al dente. Slightly firm pasta holds up better during baking and won’t turn mushy in the sauce.

Mix the buffalo and Alfredo sauces thoroughly before combining them with the chicken and pasta. This ensures that every bite is equally coated with flavor. Taste the sauce mixture before assembling the bake — you can always add a little more buffalo sauce if you want a spicier dish or a bit more Alfredo if you prefer it creamier.

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese whenever possible. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and creates a richer, more luxurious topping.

Allow the pasta bake to cool slightly before serving. This rest time allows the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in cleaner servings and a better texture.

Easy Variations to Try

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is incredibly flexible and easy to customize. Here are a few ideas:

Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or roasted broccoli for extra color and nutrients.

Extra Spicy: Stir in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love a serious kick.

Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shredded turkey or even cooked shrimp for a fun variation.

Lighter Version: Use light Alfredo sauce, less cheese, or a blend of Greek yogurt and Parmesan for a lighter but still creamy texture.

Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and make sure your sauces are gluten-free as well.

These easy tweaks allow you to enjoy this dish in many different ways, depending on your cravings and dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a fantastic dish for leftovers. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat, cover and microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. For best results, sprinkle a little extra cheese or a splash of milk over the top before reheating to keep the pasta creamy and moist.

You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15–20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly again.

While freezing is possible, be aware that creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed and reheated, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from refrigerated leftovers.

Health Benefits of the Main Ingredients

Chicken is an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein, providing essential nutrients like niacin and selenium that support metabolism and immune health.

Pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, and whole-grain or high-protein pasta options can enhance its nutritional value by adding fiber, iron, and additional protein.

Buffalo sauce, when used in moderation, brings bold flavor without many added calories, making it a great way to add excitement to the dish without relying on heavy sauces alone.

Alfredo sauce, although rich, can be adjusted to include healthier fats or lighter dairy options, especially if homemade. It adds calcium and vitamin D to the meal, supporting strong bones and overall health.

Cheese offers important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and protein. While it’s important to enjoy cheese in moderation, it’s a satisfying addition that rounds out the meal beautifully.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta is an irresistible fusion of spice, creaminess, and cheesiness that delivers pure comfort in every bite. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for when you want something hearty, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.

Quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and utterly satisfying, this pasta bake brings together everything people love about comfort food — warmth, richness, and bold flavor — all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish will leave everyone reaching for seconds and raving about the flavor long after the plates are clean.

Pin1