Diana BeattyBuffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
In The Fresh Meat Case
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
In The Fresh Meat Case
PREP TIME: 25min COOK TIME: 40min
Serves 12
- 640
Calories - 42g
Protein - 970mg
Sodium - 16g
Sat. Fat - 6g
Sugar 
Ingredients
1 lb. cavatappi or other curly pasta
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
6 tbsp. olive oil
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. flour
2 1/2 cups 2% milk
2 tbsp. Sriracha sauce
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (15-ounces)
1/2 cup pickled jalapeño
6 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
1 ball smoked mozzarella (1/2 lb.), cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 cup fresh bread crumbs or Panko crumbs
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
Step 1
Boil
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain.
TIP
TIP: Try making it healthy by using cooked cauliflower instead of pasta.
Step 2
Cube
On a plastic cutting board, cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
TIP
TIP: Try seasoning the chicken with seafood seasoning.
Step 3
Whisk
In the same pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the celery, onion and garlic and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened. Whisk the flour into the vegetable mixture until smooth. Cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and Sriracha sauce and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, Gruyere cheese, smoked mozzarella and cooked chicken cubes. Fold in the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
TIP
TIP: Try adding Chipotle hot sauce instead of Sriracha, or try adding roasted garlic.
Step 4
Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9- by 13-inch casserole or baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish and top with Panko crumbs and blue cheese crumbles. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
TIP
TIP: Try topping the casserole with bacon, scallions or even corn chips or corn flakes for extra crunch.
25 MIN
