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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Creamy Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the rich, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, tangy flavors of Buffalo chicken. Perfectly balanced with a spicy kick, this creamy, luscious meal is ideal for weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. It’s quick to make, easily customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy both your craving for cozy comfort food and the desire for a flavorful, spicy punch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni

For the Chicken:

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce until evenly coated, then set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Add the cream cheese and milk, whisking continuously until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring constantly until melted and silky smooth.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the drained macaroni and Buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to blend everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the spicy, cheesy sauce.
  5. Optional Baking: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly, adding a crunchy texture to the creamy interior.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and a smoother sauce texture.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly firm macaroni holds up better when mixed and baked.
  • Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and enhance flavors.
  • Taste before adding salt since cheese and Buffalo sauce provide seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, comfort food, Buffalo sauce, chicken pasta, game day recipes, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese/