Ingredients
– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup buffalo sauce
– 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup cream cheese
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
– Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional for serving)
Instructions
Creating Buffalo Chicken & Mac and Cheese is simple if you follow these steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cream cheese and stir until smooth.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
5. Mix in Spices: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Then, pour the cheesy sauce over the chicken and mix until well combined.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the chicken and cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese mixture for a crunchy topping.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
These steps will guide you through creating this incredible dish with ease. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g