Description
How to make bold buffalo honey garlic chicken pasta with tender chicken and creamy sauce that brings comfort food to your weeknight dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
Buffalo Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Creamy Elements
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining – you’ll thank me later for this creamy sauce magic trick.
- Season Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece is coated evenly so you get consistent flavor in every bite of your pasta.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan or it steams instead.
- Make Sauce: Add butter and garlic to same pan, cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in buffalo sauce, honey, and vinegar. Let it bubble for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cream: Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until melted, then slowly add heavy cream. Whisk constantly to prevent curdling – patience here makes all the difference in texture.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to pan. Toss with Parmesan and splash of pasta water if needed. The starch helps everything come together beautifully.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, parsley, and extra Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning – sometimes it needs just a pinch more salt to shine.
Notes
- Don’t skip the pasta water reservation – it’s crucial for sauce consistency.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor if preferred.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- Serve immediately for best texture and temperature.
- Double the recipe easily for larger crowds or meal prep.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g