Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with spicy buffalo chicken and tender rotini pasta. Perfect for those who love a hint of heat alongside rich, cheesy goodness.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, sautéing, simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cooked diced chicken breast with buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour slowly to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes without letting it brown. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar into the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Buffalo Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and buffalo chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to evenly coat everything with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, add additional buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute rotini with elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer.
- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier texture in the cheese sauce.
- To make it a bit creamier, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, buffalo sauce recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta