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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food with a Kick

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful comfort food that combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Cavatappi
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Salted Butter Creates a rich roux base.
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce.
  • 3 cups Whole Milk Provides liquid for the sauce.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Offers sharp cheesiness.
  • 2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Adds creaminess.
For the Flavor
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce Provides spicy kick.
  • 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing Balances spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt For flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs For crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Butter Adds richness to breadcrumbs.
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Shredded Chicken Adds protein.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil water in a large pot, season with salt, and cook the cavatappi until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted, then mix in the buffalo sauce and seasonings.
  5. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, mixing gently.
  6. Spread the mixture into the greased baking dish.
  7. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for potlucks or quick dinners. Adjust spice and cheese combinations to your taste.

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