If you are craving a creamy, flavorful dinner that won’t weigh you down, this Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is here to wow your taste buds. Imagine tender chicken pieces tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce, all wrapped in a luscious yet lighter alfredo sauce made creamy and tangy with blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream. This better-for-you comfort food dish packs all the indulgence you want without the guilt, making it perfect for weeknights or any time you want a satisfying meal that feels as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view shows several white bowls and clear measuring cups arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left clockwise, there's a glass cup filled with a white liquid, a wooden spoon with natural wood grain, a white plate with small piles of black pepper, dried herb, salt, and three peeled garlic cloves. Below is a small white bowl holding a white powder. To the left is a white bowl full of sliced cooked chicken pieces, next to it a white bowl with small curd cottage cheese. Above it is a white bowl filled with shredded pale yellow cheese. In the center is a clear measuring cup with a reddish-orange liquid. At the bottom left, there is a bunch of uncooked spaghetti pasta laid flat. A purple cloth can be seen on the top left edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is so simple but absolutely essential to nail the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in this dish. Each component adds a special touch—from the tender chicken and zingy buffalo sauce to the cheesy cottage cheese blend that keeps things light yet luscious.

1-2 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts: Adds hearty protein and ensures tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up all the sauce’s flavor.
1 cup milk: Creates the creamy base for the sauce with fewer calories than heavy cream.
½ cup cottage cheese: Blended smooth, this is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce velvety without heaviness.
½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano: Brings sharp, salty depth to the sauce that complements the buffalo heat beautifully.
1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce naturally, giving it a perfect consistency to cling to pasta and chicken.
2-4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor—use as much as your heart desires!
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient effortlessly.
2 Tablespoons buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot Wings): Gives this dish its signature spicy kick that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the buffalo’s heat.
8 ounces uncooked fettuccine or pasta of your choice: The star vehicle to absorb all that incredible sauce.

How to Make Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you have cooked chicken breasts already, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside—it’s that easy! Otherwise, cook the chicken however you prefer. I love baking it at 425°F after brushing with olive oil and seasoning with Cajun or Creole spices for extra flavor. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let it rest before slicing. This step ensures juicy, well-seasoned chicken that perfectly complements the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Here is where the magic happens! Combine milk, cottage cheese, Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano), cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth. This smooth base turns into a luscious sauce once heated. Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium-low heat, then whisk in your buffalo sauce and dried basil. Let it gently simmer and thicken over 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. The result? A dreamy, flavorful sauce that clings lovingly to pasta and chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce thickens, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine or pasta of choice according to package instructions until just al dente—about 11 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Drain the pasta, then immediately transfer it to the pan with your buffalo alfredo sauce to soak up every bit of creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Toss the cooked, sliced chicken into the sauced pasta, mixing gently until all the pieces are evenly coated in that irresistible Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta sauce. This ensures each bite is balanced with tender chicken, spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It only takes minutes before you’re ready to serve a comforting plate that feels indulgent but is delightfully light.

How to Serve Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The image shows a black pot filled with creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with small pieces of light brown chicken. The pasta is long and flat with a smooth texture, coated in a pale yellow sauce with tiny black pepper flakes. The chicken pieces are scattered evenly through the pasta, appearing tender and juicy. The pot sits on a knitted grey mat, and the background features a white marbled surface with green herbs slightly blurred in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an even cheesier hit. Freshly chopped parsley or basil provides a pop of green color and a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you love a little extra crunch, some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed toasted nuts can add delightful texture.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for vibrant color and a nutritional boost. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate. The balance of creamy pasta with crisp and fresh sides makes every bite feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in small, individual ramekins or bowls and topping each with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for bold flavor. You can also turn it into a baked casserole by sprinkling with mozzarella and broiling until golden and bubbly. Serving alongside celery sticks and ranch dip embraces the classic buffalo chicken vibe while adding refreshing crunch. Presentation can make this dish feel celebratory no matter the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe refrigerate beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal. Just be sure to cool the pasta before storing to maintain the best texture and taste.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is delicious fresh, freezing this dish is a bit tricky because the texture of the cottage cheese-based sauce can change. If you want to freeze, store the cooked pasta and chicken separately from the sauce. Freeze them in sealed containers for up to 2 months, then thaw gradually in the refrigerator before reheating together gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, use a low heat setting on the stove, stirring frequently to gently warm the pasta and sauce without breaking it down. Adding a splash of milk will help restore the creamy consistency and keep the sauce from becoming too thick. Avoid intense microwaving, which can dry out the pasta and make the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for the Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works wonderfully here, feel free to substitute any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or even shell pasta. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the pasta stays perfectly al dente.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

This version relies on cottage cheese and Parmesan for that creamy texture, so dairy-free would require some substitutions like cashew cream or dairy-free cheeses. Keep in mind that flavor and texture will be a bit different but still tasty with some experimentation.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on how much buffalo sauce you add. Starting with 2 tablespoons gives a nice moderate kick, but if you prefer it hotter, adding up to 4 tablespoons will turn up the spice to your liking.

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds excellent flavor. Just toss it in at the final step with the pasta and sauce for a quick and easy dinner.

What makes this a “lightened up” recipe?

This recipe swaps heavy cream and butter for blended cottage cheese and milk, cutting calories and fat without sacrificing creaminess or flavor. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy classic buffalo chicken alfredo with less guilt.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe enough for anyone craving creamy, spicy comfort food that’s a little kinder to the waistline. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly but feels special every time. Go ahead and try it out—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone will love.