This Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic dish! Creamy cheese sauce meets tender pasta and spicy buffalo chicken for a fun and tasty meal.
I love how quick this dish is to make! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when friends come over. You get cheesy goodness with a kick that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but I love using cavatappi for a twist. Its spiral shape holds onto the cheese sauce better! If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta alternatives.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great! It’s quick, flavorful, and saves time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey to mix things up.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Feel free to swap with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more heat if desired!
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, I recommend using hot sauce with a little butter mixed in as a substitute. You can even leave it out for a family-friendly version!
How Do I Get a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making a creamy cheese sauce can seem tricky, but it’s all about the roux! Start by cooking the flour with butter to remove the raw taste, then gradually add warm milk. This prevents lumps.
- Whisk constantly as you add the milk slowly to avoid clumping.
- Once thickened, reduce the heat before adding the cheeses so they melt smoothly without separating.
- Adding cream cheese is a great trick for extra creaminess!
Remember to keep tasting as you go, adjusting seasoning and buffalo sauce to suit your liking. Enjoy making this cheesy delight! 🧀
Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta, and about 20 minutes making the creamy cheese sauce and combining everything together. It’s quick and easy but full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means just tender but still a little firm). When it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Make the Roux:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s melted. Add in the all-purpose flour and whisk it together. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and smooth. This creates a base for your cheese sauce called a roux.
3. Add the Milk:
Slowly and carefully whisk in the warmed whole milk into the roux. Keep whisking constantly as you pour to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook this mixture for about 4–5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Cheese Time!
Now it’s time to add the fun part! Reduce the heat to low and begin stirring in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melted smoothly and you have a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
5. Flavor It Up:
Next, stir in the buffalo wing sauce. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on how spicy you like it!
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta and the shredded chicken into the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in that delicious cheese sauce and heated through.
7. Serve It Up:
Now, scoop the cheesy buffalo chicken mac and cheese into serving bowls. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for garnish. It adds a nice touch and a bit of color!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and dig in! This Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fun, comforting dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with a spicy kick!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the cheese sauce for a quick and flavorful meal!
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce. You can also mix in a little bit of ranch dressing or sour cream to balance the spiciness while keeping it creamy.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, combine them and heat on the stove until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
