This just in: a new favorite!! Buffalo Mac and Cheese!
Okay, friends, let’s be real for a minute. You know those days where you’ve been running non-stop—from school drop-offs, to work, to ball practice, to the store because someone just realized they’re out of deodorant (again!)—and then everyone still needs to eat dinner. On those days, sometimes getting dinner on the table can feel hard. But with this easy Buffalo Mac and Cheese, the stress of dinner just disappears! It so easy! Those days happen around here a lot. And that’s exactly why this recipe is one of my favorites: Busy Mama Buffalo Mac and Cheese.
Because listen, sometimes a mama just needs comfort food—but not the boring, same-old, same-old kind. I’m talking about creamy, cheesy pasta that hugs your soul a little bit, but with a bold buffalo kick that wakes you up and makes you feel like, “Okay, I can handle the rest of this week.” It’s the kind of dish that says cozy night in and party food all at the same time. And let me tell you, it never lasts long around my table.
My crew of hungry teens and their friends absolutely devour this every time I make it. And I love it because it’s quick, it’s easy, and it takes my beloved mac and cheese up a few notches without adding hours in the kitchen. I mean, come on—buffalo sauce and cheese? That’s a match made in food heaven.
So if your week is feeling a little wild, or if you just want to spice up family dinner with something that makes everyone’s tastebuds do a happy dance, this Buffalo Mac and Cheese is your new best friend. Grab that pasta, your favorite cheese, and of course, that trusty bottle of buffalo sauce—and let’s make magic happen, Crazy Busy Mama-style.
Ingredients for Buffalo Mac and Cheese
How to make Buffalo Mac and Cheese: ingredients you need!
1 (16 oz) box pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini work best)
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
¼ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or your favorite blend)
Cooked chicken strips (frozen or homemade, air fried until crispy)
*RECIPE NAME* Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Buffalo Mac and Cheese
How to make Buffalo Mac and Cheese : a step by step guide
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Add cubed cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, dry ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese to the pasta.
Stir lightly, then bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cream cheese is melted and everything is bubbly and creamy.
Meanwhile, air fry chicken strips until golden and crispy. Slice or leave whole.
Top the baked mac & cheese with the cooked chicken strips just before serving.
Optional: drizzle with extra buffalo or ranch for that finishing touch!
Buffalo Mac and Cheese: SIDE IDEA
This is so yummy with my Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe!
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
Use more or less buffalo depending on your heat preference!
As always, all of my favorites can be found on my Amazon Storefront, Walmart Storefront and LTK Page!
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Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.
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More Easy Buffalo Flavored Recipes
If you love this Buffalo Mac and Cheese, be sure to check out these other easy Buffalo flavored recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
Buffalo Wonton Chicken Bites- Air Fryer
Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe: Buffalo Wild Wings
B-dubs Asian Zing Pasta: Spice it your way!
Love This Recipe? Wait Until You See What’s in My Crazy Busy Mama Cookbooks!
You’ll never stress over the “what’s to eat” question again! Because they’re filled with quick easy recipes that you’ll whole family will love (And they may even help you make).
From easy weeknight dinners to crave-worthy desserts, my cookbooks are packed with simple, delicious recipes and tips to save your sanity. It’s like having me right there in your kitchen, guiding you through stress-free meals your family will rave about.
Ready to reclaim your mealtime mojo? Grab a Crazy Busy Mama Cookbook now and let’s cook up some magic together!
And P.S. I have a stress free monthly meal planning service (with grocery lists included) for less than the cost of a cup of coffee! You get recipes and grocery lists delivered right to your inbox weekly! You can check it out here!
Buffalo Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box 16 oz pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini work best) 16 oz
- 1 block cream cheese 8 oz , cubed
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Colby Jack, or your favorite blend
- 8 Cooked chicken strips frozen or homemade, air fried until crispy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Add cubed cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, dry ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese to the pasta.
- Stir lightly, then bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cream cheese is melted and everything is bubbly and creamy.
- Meanwhile, air fry chicken strips until golden and crispy. Slice or leave whole.
- Top the baked mac & cheese with the cooked chicken strips just before serving.
- Optional: drizzle with extra buffalo or ranch for that finishing touch!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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