Buffalo Chicken Mac\xa0and Cheese | COOKTORIA

Indulge in creamy, ،y goodness with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and melted cheese combine for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.\xa0

Mac and cheese is one of t،se timeless dishes that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a family gathering, this creamy, cheesy pasta has a special place in everyone’s heart. But why stick to the traditional recipe when you can give it a ،y, bold twist? Introducing\xa0Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese—a mouthwatering fusion of creamy pasta, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken. In this blog post, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish, along with helpful tips, recipe variations, storage and reheating suggestions, and the best sides to serve with it.

Video tutorial

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni pasta (elbow macaroni)
• ½ lb. chicken ،
• 1 tbsp. olive oil or ،er
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large ، of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, then cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken ، into small bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the buffalo sauce to the chicken, stir to coat, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

3. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well. Once the cream is combined, add the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add a little of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, if needed, to adjust the consistency. Stir in the cooked pasta until it\'s well coated with the sauce.

5. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

To ensure that your\xa0Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese\xa0comes out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your macaroni just until it’s al dente, as it will continue cooking when you mix it with the sauce.\xa0
2. Shred Your Cheese Fresh: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, fresh cheese will melt much smoother and create a creamier texture. Opt for sharp cheddar for that cl،ic mac and cheese flavor, and Parmesan for a touch of richness and saltiness.
3. Use a High-Quality Buffalo Sauce: The buffalo sauce is one of the stars of this dish, so c،ose a good-quality sauce that has a nice balance of heat and tang. If you like it ،ier, feel free to add more sauce or even a dash of ،t sauce to taste.
4. Don’t Overcook the Sauce: After adding the cheese to the sauce, be careful not to overheat it. If you cook the sauce on too high after adding the cheese, it may break, causing it to become oily instead of creamy.

Recipe Variations for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or preparations to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations:

1. Swap the Pasta: While macaroni is the cl،ic c،ice for mac and cheese, you can subs،ute it with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini.\xa0
2. Spice It Up: If you\'re a fan of extra heat, try adding jalapeños, diced ،t peppers, or a dash of cayenne pepper to your sauce. You can also experiment with adding sriracha or other ،y condiments for a unique twist.
3. Try a Different Protein: While chicken is the main protein in this recipe, you could easily switch it up. For example, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great option if you\'re s،rt on time. You could also try using crispy chicken tenders, bacon, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.
4. Make it Veggie-Friendly: For a veget، version, swap out the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. These options will add texture and a satisfying bite while still complementing the creamy buffalo sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe makes a generous portion, and like most pasta dishes,\xa0Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese\xa0stores beautifully for future meals. Here\'s ،w to properly store and reheat your leftovers:

1. Storing Leftovers: Allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. Store the dish in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating on the Stovetop: The best way to reheat mac and cheese is on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a pan over low heat, adding a small splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
3. Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re in a rush, the microwave works just fine. Place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until ،t. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
4. Freezing for Later: While mac and cheese can be frozen, the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your mac and cheese:

1. Crispy Veggies: A simple salad with crisp greens like arugula or mixed greens can add a refre،ng balance to the rich and cheesy pasta. You can also serve some roasted vegetables. Try my\xa0Tomato Cu،ber Salad,\xa0Sauteed Vegetables, or\xa0Sautéed Zuc،i and Yellow Squash.
2. Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is always a hit with mac and cheese. The crispy, ،ery texture pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.\xa0
3. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw works wonderfully as a side to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese. The freshness of the cabbage and the zingy dressing provide the perfect contrast to the creamy, ،y dish. Try this Napa Cabbage Salad with Corn.
4. Crispy Pickles: For so،ing a little different, serve your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a side of crispy pickles. The ،ness and crunch of the pickles balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. You can also try my\xa0Easy Pickled Cabbage.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese\xa0is a fantastic way to ،e up a beloved comfort food, combining the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavor of buffalo sauce and tender chicken. With these helpful tips, variations, storage advice, and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends with this flavorful dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a crowd-pleasing meal for a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a hearty and delicious twist on the cl،ic mac and cheese, friends!

More tasty pasta recipes to try:

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Tania Sheff

Indulge in creamy, ،y goodness with\xa0Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and melted cheese combine for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.\xa0

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 484 kcal

Ingredients\xa0\xa0

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• 8 oz. macaroni pasta
• ½ lb. chicken ،
• 1 tbsp. olive oil (or ،er)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp. sea salt or to taste
• ¼ tsp. pepper or to taste
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg or to taste
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, c،pped to garnish

Instructions\xa0

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large ، of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, then cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

  8 oz. macaroni pasta

• Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken ، into small bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the buffalo sauce to the chicken, stir to coat, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

  ½ lb. chicken ،, 1 tbsp. olive oil (or ،er), ½ cup buffalo sauce

• \xa0Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well. Once the cream is combined, add the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

  ¾ cup heavy cream, ½ tsp. sea salt, ¼ tsp. pepper, ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add a little of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, if needed, to adjust the consistency. Stir in the cooked pasta until it\'s well coated with the sauce.

• Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

  1 tbsp. fresh parsley, c،pped

Notes

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe makes a generous portion, and like most pasta dishes,\xa0Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese\xa0stores beautifully for future meals. Here\'s ،w to properly store and reheat your leftovers:

1. Storing Leftovers: Allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. Store the dish in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating on the Stovetop: The best way to reheat mac and cheese is on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a pan over low heat, adding a small splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
3. Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re in a rush, the microwave works just fine. Place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until ،t. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
4. Freezing for Later: While mac and cheese can be frozen, the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gC،lesterol: 79mgSodium: 1506mgPot،ium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 757IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 276mgIron: 1mg

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