What is it about the buffalo chicken flavor that makes it so good in so many different forms? And why do we typically only eat it on game days? We eat it in dip, we eat it in quesadillas, we eat it in lasagna, etc.

And now, we can eat it in another pasta dish. Because adding pasta is rarely a bad thing. Pasta, cheese, and buffalo chicken. It’s all found in this lightened up buffalo chicken penne!

Now you can enjoy a favorite, without all of the fat, sodium, etc. that goes with it. Simple swaps that include using whole wheat pasta and 1/3 of the fat cream cheese give the pasta a nutritious boost right away.

I also used sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar so that you can use less while still getting that cheddar flavor.

Bell pepper and fresh garlic up the flavor and make you forget that there isn’t any ranch or blue cheese dressing around.

All simple ways to make it lighter without compromising flavor. Because it just isn’t game day or comfort food without bold flavor!

Continue to Content

Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Penne

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 2 Cups cooked and shredded boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 8 ounces 1/3 of the fat cream cheese
• 1/2 Cup buffalo sauce
• 1/3 Cup chicken stock
• 1/2 Cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 Cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 Cup feta cheese crumbles, divided
• 10 ounces whole wheat penne pasta, cooked
• 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper
• chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, chicken stock, green pepper, garlic, cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles over medium heat. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
2. Stir in chicken, cooked pasta, salt, and pepper and cook until heated through. Transfer to a serving dish.
3. Top with remaining 1/4 cup feta and chopped parsley. Serve.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  OXO Good Grips Nylon Spoon
• 
  Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 10-1/4-Inch, Marseille
• 
  Gorilla Grip Reversible Cutting Board, 3 Piece, Dishwasher Safe

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 925mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 23g

Nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and may not always be accurate. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment or rating on the blog to let us know or share a pic on Instagram and tag @akitchenaddiction