Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne: Your New Go-To Comfort Food Recipe

Craving bold flavors without the guilt? This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne combines fiery buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and a lightened-up Alfredo creaminess for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. Ready in no time, it’s the ultimate comfort food fix for weeknights, game days, or meal prep! A guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite flavors—spicy, creamy, and totally delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weight Watchers-Friendly: 6 SmartPoints® per serving (Blue Plan).
• Bold & Balanced: Creamy Alfredo meets tangy buffalo heat in every forkful.
• 30-Minute Meal: Quick enough for busy nights but fancy enough to impress.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add veggies.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole-grain penne pasta (or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
• 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup low-fat Alfredo sauce (e.g., Prego Light)
• 1/3 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: Chopped green onions, cilantro, or crumbled blue cheese (+1 SmartPoint®)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.

Sauté the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Alfredo sauce, hot sauce, and Greek yogurt. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.

Combine Everything:
Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen. Sprinkle mozzarella and stir until melted.

Serve:
Garnish with green onions or cilantro. Add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick!

Nutrition & SmartPoints®

Per serving (1.5 cups):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• SmartPoints®: 6 (Blue Plan)

Points may vary with pasta type or cheese substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

• Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers (0 points).
• Side Salad: Pair with romaine, carrots, and light ranch dressing (1–2 SmartPoints®).
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches (reheat with a splash of milk).

Pro Tips

• Extra Creamy: Add 2 tbsp light cream cheese (+1 SmartPoint®).
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for meatless chick’n strips or roasted cauliflower.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check hot sauce labels.
• Spice Control: Start with 1/4 cup hot sauce and adjust to taste.
• Freeze-Friendly: Freeze leftovers in airtight bags for up to 2 months.

Why This Dish Supports Your Goals

• High-Protein: Chicken and Greek yogurt keep you full and fueled.
• Smart Swaps: Low-fat Alfredo and reduced-fat cheese cut points, not flavor.
• Fiber Boost: Whole-grain pasta aids digestion and balances carbs.

This Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to derail your progress. With its creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies cravings while staying firmly on track. Whip it up for dinner tonight, and watch it become a household favorite—guilt-free!