Ingredients

• Chicken: 2 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips

• Oil/Fat: 2 tbsp olive oil & 8 tbsp butter (divided)

• Aromatics: 10 cloves garlic, minced

• The Heat: 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (divided)

• Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper

• Pasta: 16 oz penne pasta

• Dairy: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 4 oz softened cream cheese

• Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

• Garnish: 3 tbsp chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Chicken

Season your chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown. You don't need to cook it through yet—just get a nice crust. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

2. Create the Slow Cooker Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 tbsp of butter and sauté half of the minced garlic. Stir in half of the buffalo sauce and cook for 1 minute. Pour this fragrant mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. This low-and-slow method ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs the buffalo flavor.

4. Make the Signature Creamy Sauce

While the chicken finishes, melt the remaining butter in a skillet and sauté the rest of the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth, then stir in the remaining buffalo sauce. Finally, fold in the mozzarella and cheddar until you have a rich, gooey cheese sauce.

5. Combine and Serve

Cook your penne pasta until al dente and drain. Add the cooked pasta and the creamy cheese sauce into the slow cooker with the chicken. Toss everything together until the noodles are perfectly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Pro-Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Penne

Balance the Heat: If you aren't a fan of spice, swap the buffalo sauce for a "mild" variety or increase the amount of heavy cream.

Add Some Green: To make this a well-rounded meal, stir in some steamed broccoli or fresh spinach during the final mixing stage.

Meal Prep: This pasta tastes even better the next day! Store in airtight containers for a high-protein lunch throughout the week.

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