Oh, you guys! If you’re anything like me, you need meals that are seriously delicious but also, like, *fast*. Because who has hours after a long day? My absolute go-to for those crazy nights is this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. It’s got that kick from the buffalo sauce, that comforting creaminess, and it all comes together so quickly. I’ve tweaked it just right over the years, and trust me, it hits all the right spots every single time.

Why This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne is a Weeknight Winner

This dish is pure magic for a busy weeknight. We’re talking about a full-on, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes. It’s got that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness that’ll make everyone happy. Plus, it’s so satisfying without being heavy. Honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for when I need something amazing on the table, stat!

Gathering Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne, you’ll need a few simple things. I always say the better your ingredients, the better the final dish, so grab the good stuff! We start with a pound of penne pasta – just your regular kind is perfect. Then, we need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and I like to cut mine into nice, bite-sized pieces, maybe about an inch or so. This just makes sure everything cooks evenly!

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

Here’s the full rundown of what you’ll need for this deliciousness:

1 pound penne pasta: Any brand works, just cook it up al dente!
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into roughly 1-inch pieces.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For getting that chicken nice and browned.
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Your favorite kind! Mild, medium, or hot – you pick!
1/2 cup ranch dressing: This is key for that creamy, tangy flavor.
1/4 cup heavy cream: To make it extra rich and luscious.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gotta have that melty cheese!
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese: This is optional, but trust me, it adds a great zing!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Just to taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

Okay, let’s get this amazing Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne on your table! It’s really not complicated at all, and the payoff is SO worth it. We’re going to break it down into a few easy steps so you can’t go wrong.

Preparing the Pasta and Chicken for Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

First things first, get that pasta water going! Pop your penne in a big pot of salted boiling water and cook it according to the package directions. You want it to be nice and tender, but still have a little bite, you know? Before you drain it, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for making our sauce perfect later. Now, while the pasta’s doing its thing, let’s talk chicken. Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, heat up that tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring it around so it gets nice and browned on all sides and is cooked all the way through. No one wants undercooked chicken!

Crafting the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

Once your chicken is looking golden and is cooked through, it’s time to make the magic happen! Pour that half cup of buffalo sauce right into the skillet with the chicken. Then, add in your half cup of ranch dressing and the quarter cup of heavy cream. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. You’ll want to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep it bubbling just a little bit for a minute or two. Then, turn the heat down to low. Now, add in that shredded cheddar cheese. Stir, stir, stir until all that cheese is melted and the sauce is looking super creamy and luscious. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.

Assembling Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

Almost there! Now, grab your drained penne pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the chicken and that glorious creamy buffalo sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every single piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that delicious sauce. If you feel like the sauce is a little too thick and needs some coaxing, now’s the time to add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water. Just add a little at a time until it reaches the consistency you love. If you’re using the blue cheese, which I highly recommend for that extra punch, stir it in now. Give it one last gentle toss, and you’re ready to serve!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

You know, making this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable. I always like to have a plan for hitting that perfect consistency and boosting the flavors just right.

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

The trick to getting that sauce *just* right, not too thick and not too thin, is that reserved pasta water! Seriously, don’t skip that step. When you’re tossing the pasta with the sauce, if it seems a little too thick and isn’t coating everything nicely, just add a tablespoon or two of the pasta water. It really helps to loosen everything up and makes the sauce extra silky. Just add a little at a time until it’s perfect for you.

Flavor Enhancements and Substitutions

Want to turn up the heat? Go for a hotter buffalo sauce or add a little pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the sauce. It’s super easy to customize! If you’re not a huge fan of chicken breasts, chicken thighs work wonderfully here too – they’re a bit more forgiving and can add even more flavor. And for a pop of freshness and color at the end, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or some sliced green onions is just lovely. It really makes the dish sing! You can find more tips on cooking chicken here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

Got questions about this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne? I’ve got answers! People always ask me about making it ahead or what to serve with it, so let’s dive in.

Can I make this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne ahead of time?

You know, this dish is honestly best enjoyed fresh because the sauce is so creamy. But, if you need to make it ahead, I’d suggest cooking the pasta and chicken separately. Keep the sauce ingredients (buffalo sauce, ranch, cream, cheese) ready to go. When you’re ready to serve, heat the sauce ingredients in a skillet, then add the cooked pasta and chicken, and toss everything together with a splash of pasta water if needed. It’s still super quick!

What are good side dishes for Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne?

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides that balance the richness. A nice crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is fantastic. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also great options – they add a nice bit of color and freshness. Or, if you’re feeling it, some crusty garlic bread to sop up any extra sauce is always a winner! You might enjoy this garlic parmesan chicken recipe as a side.

How can I adjust the spice level of this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne?

Adjusting the spice is super easy! For a milder version, just use a mild buffalo sauce and maybe skip the optional blue cheese, or use less of it. If you want to kick it up a notch, grab a hotter buffalo sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes right when you add the buffalo sauce and ranch. You can even add a dash of hot sauce to your individual serving if you like it extra fiery!

Understanding the Nutrition of Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and how big your portions are. It’s good to keep that in mind!

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Fat: 35g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sodium: 950mg

Share Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne Experience

I absolutely LOVE hearing from you guys! Did you make this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne? How did it turn out? Did you add any fun twists? Drop a comment below, give it a rating, or share your masterpiece on social media and tag me! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! For more pasta recipes, check out our site.

Amazing Creamy Buffalo Chicken Penne: 1 Pan

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy creamy buffalo chicken penne recipe perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound penne pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
While pasta is cooking, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in blue cheese if using.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use a hotter buffalo sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for extra flavor and color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken, penne, pasta, creamy, chicken dinner, weeknight meal