Makes 2 servings · 35 min from scratch · about 20 min with the shortcut
Buffalo Chicken Penne
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 54 g
- Carbs
- 50 g
- Fat
- 13 g
Per serving, from scratch. Shortcut numbers are below.
Or use the shortcutIngredients
Chicken Or use the shortcut
- ⅔ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- All purpose seasoning and smoked paprika
- Cooking spray
Sauce
- 6 light spreadable cheese wedges
- 2½ tbsp light cream cheese
- 3½ tbsp buffalo style hot sauce, divided
- 3 tbsp fat free milk
Pasta
- 4½ oz protein penne (or chickpea or lentil penne)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
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Boil the pasta. Cook the penne as the package directs. Save 1 cup of the cooking water before you drain it.
-
Cook the chicken. Meanwhile, coat a large skillet with cooking spray and set it over high heat. Add the chicken and season it with the all purpose seasoning and paprika. Cook, stirring, until it reaches 165°F.
Shortcut: heat instead -
Make the sauce. Lower the heat to medium. Add the cheese wedges, cream cheese, milk and 2 tbsp of the buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth.
-
Add the pasta. Stir in the drained penne, the rest of the buffalo sauce and ½ cup of the pasta water.
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Simmer. Cook on low for 2 to 3 minutes, adding more pasta water if it gets thick. Divide between 2 plates and top with parsley. To meal prep 4 servings, double everything.
Skip the cooking
Use 8 oz Chicken Crumbles instead
They come fully cooked and seasoned with garlic, sea salt and spice, so leave out the all purpose seasoning. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. In step 2, heat them in the skillet with the paprika over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until they reach 165°F. Then go on to step 3.
Per serving: 580 cal · 59 g protein · 50 g carbs · 18 g fat.
Build your boxNutrition per serving is estimated from USDA data and Portside label values. Protein pasta is counted at 10 g protein per 2 oz dry.