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Creamy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

creamy high protein buffalo chicken mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a spicy buffalo chicken twist, packed with protein and perfect for quick, satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 10 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Shred cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
  4. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly. Add cream cheese and whisk until melted and sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Lower heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Fold in cottage cheese and buffalo sauce gently to combine.
  7. Add cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or chives if desired.

Notes

If the mac and cheese thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to refresh creaminess. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives. Cottage cheese is optional but adds extra protein and creaminess. You can bake the dish with breadcrumbs and extra cheese at 350°F for 15 minutes for a crispy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, high protein, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

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