Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
367 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower
Description
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower starts by cooking pasta and cauliflower together until al dente. Separately, ground chicken is sautéed with onion and seasoned with salt and pepper. A roux is prepared by melting butter and whisking in flour, then gradually adding almond milk and chicken broth to create a smooth sauce base.
The sauce is brought to a boil and thickened before stirring in buffalo sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses for a creamy, spicy finish. The chicken, pasta, and cauliflower are combined with this buffalo cheese sauce, resulting in a comforting dish with layered flavors. The buffalo sauce level can be adjusted for milder or spicier heat.
The dish offers a blend of tender pasta and chicken with cauliflower’s subtle bite all enveloped in a cheese sauce that carries the distinctive heat and tang of buffalo wing sauce. It is ideal for meals seeking a rich yet complex mac and cheese variation.
Options include substituting for gluten-free pasta and flour for dietary needs and using plant-based cheeses or butter to make dairy-free or vegan versions.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. elbow macaroni or short pasta of choice, large
- 12 oz. cauliflower roughly chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion yellow, finely diced, 75g
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 Tbsp butter 15g
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 15g
- 1.5 cups almond milk or milk of choice, plain, unsweetened, 360g
- 1 cup chicken broth 240g
- 1/2 tsp salt more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper more to taste
- 1/4-1/3 cup buffalo sauce 60g
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, sharp, 112g
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese 112g
Instructions
- Cook pasta and cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Sprinkle generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 5-6 minutes, then add in the cauliflower. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. When done, rinse with cool water and drain well. Set aside and wipe the pot clean.
- Cook onions and chicken: Add olive oil to the pot and set to medium heat. When warm, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the ground chicken and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the pieces as you go, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat.
- Prepare buffalo cheese: Meanwhile, bring a large skillet to medium heat and add the butter. As it starts to melt, whisk in the flour. Then whisk in the milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Continue whisking frequently for 4-5 minutes or until mixture becomes thick. Then remove from heat and stir in the buffalo sauce and both cheeses. Taste and add any salt or seasonings to taste.
- Make the buffalo mac: To the skillet with the buffalo cheese, fold in the macaroni, cauliflower, chicken and onions mix until everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper to serve.
Notes
- Use medium-hot buffalo sauce for moderate heat and flavor; increase amount or choose spicier sauce to up the spice level.
- Substitute gluten-free macaroni and flour to make the dish gluten-free.
- For dairy-free or vegan versions, use plant-based cheeses, plant butter or olive oil, and plant-based meat substitutes along with vegetable broth.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 367 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.25 cups (265g) | |
| Calories | 367kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 35.3g | 12% |
| Protein | 28.7g | 57% |
| Fat | 12.3g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Fiber | 3.2g | 13% |
| Sugar | 2.3g | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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