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bowl of buffalo mac and cheese with steam rising

Name: Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Summary: A spicy, creamy twist on the classic comfort food, this buffalo mac and cheese blends tender pasta with a rich cheddar sauce and bold buffalo chicken. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or when you're craving something hearty with a little kick.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie, grilled, or crispy
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese optional for extra meltiness
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half for richer sauce
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank’s RedHot
  • 4 oz cream cheese optional for extra creaminess
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles optional topping
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional for crunchy baked top
  • Chopped green onions optional garnish

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9x13-inch baking dish (optional, for baked version)
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (if baking).
  3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened (5–7 minutes).
  6. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Fold in chicken and pasta. Mix until well coated.
  8. Transfer to baking dish (if baking), top with blue cheese crumbles and breadcrumbs.
  9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  10. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Notes:
Adjust buffalo sauce amount for spice preference.
Substitute ranch dressing or omit blue cheese if preferred.
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken or use a plant-based alternative.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.