Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Alfredo sauce meets spicy buffalo chicken for a rich, flavorful pasta dish, topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan for a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fettucini pasta
• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or tenders
• 6 tbsp butter
• 8 cloves garlic
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup half and half or milk
• 1/2 tsp italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup buffalo dressing or buffalo sauce
• 3/4 cup parmesan, divided
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tbsp paprika (for seasoning blend)
• 1 tsp onion powder (for seasoning blend)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning blend)
• 1 tsp brown sugar (for seasoning blend)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (for seasoning blend)
• 3/4 tsp salt (for seasoning blend)
• 1/2 tsp pepper (for seasoning blend)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin with the Chicken and Boil Water
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for the chicken. As that warms up, fill a pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and set it on high heat for the pasta. This way, everything will come together smoothly.

2. Step 2: Cook and Rest the Chicken
   Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts or tenders in and let them sizzle away for a few minutes on each side, just until they’re thoroughly cooked. After that, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. Letting it rest makes it juicier when you dice it later on.

3. Step 3: Craft the Base for Your Sauce
   Keeping things in the same skillet, dial down the heat to medium and toss in the butter. Let it melt completely before adding the garlic. Your kitchen will fill with that irresistible aroma as the garlic cooks for a minute or two until it’s nice and fragrant.

4. Step 4: Blend the Creamy Sauce
   Pour the heavy cream, half and half, buffalo sauce, a hint of Italian seasoning, and some pepper into the skillet. It's time for the sauce to take center stage, bringing warmth and spice to the dish.

5. Step 5: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce
   Add in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, whisking until everything melds into a thick, rich sauce. Let it simmer gently and sneak a taste—this is your chance to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

6. Step 6: Cook the Pasta
   By now, your pot of water should be boiling. Toss in the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

7. Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Using a large slotted spoon or a skimmer, lift the pasta straight from the pot into the creamy sauce. This method keeps the pasta water clinging to the noodles, helping to thicken the sauce just right.

8. Step 8: Integrate Pasta Water and Chicken
   Scoop about 1/3 cup of that starchy pasta water into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sauce. Now, grab your rested chicken, dice it up, and toss it in with the pasta and sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated.

9. Step 9: Garnish and Serve
   To crown your creation, sprinkle over the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and a handful of freshly minced parsley. Serve up this delectable dish right away, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!

Notes

Cooking up a delightful Buffalo Chicken Alfredo can sometimes lead to a few culinary hiccups. One common stumble is overcooking the pasta, turning what should be al dente into mush. To steer clear, set a timer and taste a noodle a minute or two before the package directs.

Another pitfall is letting the sauce split. Cream sauces can separate if cooked at too high a heat or for too long. Keep the flame gentle and stir often to maintain that velvety texture.

Finally, don't forget to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed—because sometimes we're a little shy on the salt. Embrace those tweaks for a dish that's balanced and flavorful!