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This buffalo one-pot chicken alfredo brings together creamy pasta and spicy buffalo flavors for an easy and comforting meal. With Cajun seasoned chicken and an irresistibly rich sauce, it all happens in a single pan making weeknight dinners both delicious and stress free. Lighter ingredients keep things balanced so you can enjoy a little indulgence any night of the week.
I made this for my husband on a busy weeknight and he said it tasted like restaurant takeout. Now it is our go to when we are craving something cozy but do not want to deal with extra dishes.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: pounded thin ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy thighs and tenderloins also work well
- Long noodles: like fettucini or mafaldine will cling to the sauce pick a brand with a bronze cut for best texture
- Cajun seasoning: brings bold flavor make sure to use a fresh spice blend for the most aroma
- Olive oil: for searing the chicken look for a fruity one with a golden hue
- Butter: helps build a luscious base choose unsalted to control the saltiness
- Fresh garlic: minced adds deep savory notes choose firm bulbs with tight skin
- Chicken stock: makes the sauce savory and keeps it light sodium content is important so taste before you season
- Milk: delivers creaminess without heaviness use whole or two percent and let it come to room temp for smooth sauce
- Buffalo wing sauce: gives the signature tang opt for Franks for classic flavor
- Cream cheese: melted in for richness and tang at room temperature for easy blending
- Parmesan cheese: grated fresh for the best melt and nutty flavor always buy a wedge and grate yourself if possible
- Green onions: for a fresh finish look for perky bright green stalks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken with most of the Cajun seasoning saving a little for the sauce. Use your hands to really press the spices into the surface so you get flavor in every bite.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Place the chicken in without crowding and let it cook undisturbed for about three to four minutes. Flip once turn down to low and finish cooking until just done about another four to five minutes. Rest it tented on a plate so it stays juicy.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- In the same skillet add butter and minced garlic over medium low. Scrape up all the fond from the chicken for extra flavor. Cook for around a minute until you smell the garlic.
- Make the Sauce:
- Carefully pour in the chicken stock milk buffalo sauce and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir and bring to a low boil letting the flavors come together.
- Add the Pasta:
- Slip the noodles into the sauce. As they start to soften gently nestle them down so they are mostly submerged. Low simmer and stir now and then so the pasta cooks evenly about eight to ten minutes.
- Melt in the Cheese:
- Once the pasta is al dente drop in cubed cream cheese. Stir patiently until the cheese completely melts giving a velvety sauce about five minutes. It helps to keep everything moving so nothing sticks.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add in parmesan stirring until it melts and the pasta turns glossy. Sprinkle with green onions and layer the sliced chicken on top. Give it a final drizzle of buffalo sauce if you like things extra spicy.
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You Must Know
- High in protein keeps you full longer
- Customizable heat level add more or less buffalo sauce to taste
- Makes great leftovers just reheat gently with a splash of milk
Parmesan is my secret weapon in this dish. I remember shaving a big pile of it with my kids in the kitchen and laughing as they kept sneaking bites. A generous handful melted in right at the end always makes the sauce incredible.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a little milk to keep the sauce smooth. The flavors get even better the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness. If you want to skip cream cheese try blended cottage cheese for a lighter option. Gluten free noodles can also work just check the package directions for cook time.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this with a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli for color. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. If you like a little freshness on top extra green onions or even chopped cilantro are great.
Buffalo Alfredo in Food Culture
Combining spicy buffalo flavors with Italian style pasta is the kind of delicious fusion that comes out of busy American kitchens. Buffalo sauce is named after Buffalo New York and has become a favorite way to add some kick to all sorts of comfort foods not just wings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs or tenderloins both work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for thickness.
- → Does the cream cheese have to be room temperature?
Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps in the sauce. Warm it gently if needed.
- → How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce and preference; taste and adjust amount before adding more if desired.
- → What pasta types work besides fettuccine?
Mafaldine, linguine, or any long noodle works. Break pasta in half if needed to fit the pan and submerge evenly.
- → How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use room temperature dairy and avoid high heat. If separated, add a splash of heavy cream and whisk to emulsify.
- → Is there a lighter dairy option?
Blended cottage cheese can replace the cream cheese for a lighter result, maintaining the creamy consistency.