If you’re looking for a comforting pasta dinner with a spicy kick, this Creamy Buffalo Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is about to become a household favorite. Juicy seasoned chicken is seared until golden, then tossed with tender penne pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce blended with creamy cheese and bold buffalo flavor. The result is a satisfying one-pan meal that’s creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with irresistible flavor.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests on game day, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Rich, creamy sauce with bold buffalo flavor.
- Tender, juicy chicken in every bite.
- Easy one-pan recipe with minimal cleanup.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Delicious with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add butter to the skillet followed by minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Whisk in the buffalo sauce and Italian seasoning.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until completely melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
Toss everything until the sauce coats every piece of pasta evenly.
If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with chopped parsley, sliced green onions, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy bites.
- Add spinach during the final few minutes for extra color.
- Stir in crispy bacon for smoky flavor.
- Swap mozzarella with Pepper Jack for extra heat.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Add mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for more vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo-style sauce.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, cavatappi, and fusilli all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works well and makes the recipe even quicker.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or steamed green beans make excellent side dishes.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Prepare the recipe a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Buffalo Garlic Butter Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, buttery garlic, bold buffalo flavor, and perfectly cooked pasta into one unforgettable comfort meal. Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, it’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining friends. Once you try it, this spicy, cheesy pasta is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
