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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy One Pot Meal

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A quick and easy one-pot creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese that combines classic comfort food with a spicy buffalo twist, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot over medium heat, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water if desired.
  2. Make the roux: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until smooth and bubbling without browning.
  3. Add the milk: Slowly pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until mixture thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the cheeses: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until creamy and velvety. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Season the sauce: Mix in buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add chicken and pasta: Fold in shredded chicken and cooked macaroni. Stir gently until everything is coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid over-stirring.
  7. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add extra buffalo sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
  8. Serve immediately hot and creamy.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before use to avoid clumps. Stir cheese slowly over medium-low heat to prevent breaking or clumping. Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Adjust buffalo sauce to control spice level. For baked variation, transfer to casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, one pot meal, creamy, spicy, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-one-pot-meal/