High-Protein Buffalo Mac and Cheese (Creamy & Spicy)

Ever wished you could mash up buffalo wings and mac and cheese? This recipe is the answer to your craving. Creamy, spicy, and seriously satisfying, this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese hits all the comfort food notes without wrecking your macros. It’s built on high-protein pasta, loaded with shredded chicken, and tossed in a bold, cheesy buffalo sauce that actually tastes legit. Best part? It’s all stovetop — unless you want to broil it for that golden crust.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Mac

• Creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor
• Over 40g of protein per serving
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Better-for-you ingredients without tasting like “diet” food
• Optional broil gives you that baked mac texture without the wait
• A great way to use that leftover rotisserie chicken

High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Creamy, spicy, and packed with protein, this buffalo chicken mac and cheese hits the spot without messing up your macros.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 470 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Medium saucepan or nonstick pot
• 1 Mixing spoon or spatula
• 1 Oven-safe skillet or broiler pan, optional if broiling

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta + Chicken

• 4 oz Barilla Protein+ elbows (or similar high-protein pasta)
• 5 oz shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie works great)

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
• 1 tbsp light cream cheese
• 1 1/2 tbsp Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce (adjust to heat level)
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional for tang + protein)
• 1 splash splash of unsweetened almond milk or evaporated milk to thin if needed (not included in macros)
• Salt + pepper to taste

For the Broiled Topping (Optional)

• 2 tbsp shredded cheese or breadcrumbs

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta: Boil the high-protein pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Make the sauce: In the same pot over low heat, stir in cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and buffalo sauce. Stir until melted and creamy.
• Stir in chicken: Add shredded chicken and Greek yogurt (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is coated.
• Adjust texture: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of almond milk or evaporated milk to loosen.
• Finish and serve: Serve hot as-is, or proceed to optional broil step.
• Optional Broil for Cheesy Crust: Transfer buffalo mac to an oven-safe dish or skillet. Sprinkle with cheese and/or breadcrumbs and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Pro Tip: This reheats beautifully — store in an airtight container and microwave with a splash of water or milk to revive creaminess.

Make It Spicier: Add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne for a fiery version.

Nutrition: Macros will vary slightly based on the type of pasta and cheese used. A typical serving includes approximately 470 calories, 43g protein, 33g carbs, and 20g fat. Optional ingredients like extra shredded cheese for broiling or a splash of evaporated/almond milk are not included in this calculation.