Creamy mac and cheese with spicy buffalo chicken and a crunchy breadcrumb topping — a game day favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the bold flavor of buffalo chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta

• Perfect comfort food for game day, potlucks, or cozy dinners

• Crunchy panko topping adds the perfect texture contrast

• Easy to customize with your favorite cheese or extra heat

• Family-friendly with just the right kick of spice

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta

• 2 cups cooked diced boneless skinless chicken breast

• ½ cup buffalo sauce

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 green onions, sliced

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Directions

Step 1

Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Sauté chicken with salt and pepper over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3

Make the sauce — melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

Step 4

Add cheeses and sauce — stir in cream cheese until melted, then add cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce until smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Combine pasta and chicken — toss cooked pasta and chicken with buffalo cheese sauce in a large bowl.

Step 6

Transfer to baking dish — pour into a greased baking dish and sprinkle evenly with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 7

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 8

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes, reduce the buffalo sauce and replace part of it with ranch or more milk for a milder flavor.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or penne are great substitutes for rotini.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish without baking, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a little butter before sprinkling them on top.

Final Thoughts

This Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and zesty buffalo heat. With its golden, crunchy topping and rich sauce, it’s sure to be the star of any gathering — especially on game day!