– 8 ounces of penne pasta
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Creating Buffalo Chicken Pasta is straightforward and enjoyable. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked (approximately 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the buffalo sauce and heavy cream. Stir until well combined and heated through.
4. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce, mixing well. Then, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring that each piece is coated in the sauce.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If desired, add blue cheese for an additional layer of flavor.
6. Garnish: Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm, and enjoy!