Description
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is an irresistible twist on a beloved classic. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the comforting flavors of traditional macaroni and cheese with a spicy buffalo chicken kick. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or simply satisfying cravings, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With just one pot needed for preparation, it’s a convenient choice that results in a rich and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook cavatappi noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add warmed milk, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Stir in salt, ground mustard powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and drained noodles.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg