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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 flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce with rich, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This creamy, cheesy pasta offers a perfect balance of heat and indulgence, ideal for family dinners, game days, or potlucks. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it can be customized for different spice levels, dietary needs, and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced or shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a small amount of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, dice or shred the cooked chicken breasts. Toss the chicken thoroughly in buffalo sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated for that spicy tang.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the heavy cream while whisking, then stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and silky smooth.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked elbow macaroni and buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce. Gently fold together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is thicker than desired, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or dishes. Top with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy comfort.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a classic tangy flavor and smooth melt.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best as it will continue to soften in the sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control spice intensity according to taste.
  • Prepared cheese sauce and chicken can be made ahead to save time at serving.
  • Try toppings like crumbled blue cheese or crispy bacon for additional flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, spicy pasta, comfort food, buffalo sauce, cheesy pasta

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