Name: High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz chickpea pasta (Barilla chickpea or Barilla protein plus recommended); 16 oz full-fat cottage cheese; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp ranch seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 tbsp melted butter; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor and protein, you’ve got to try this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It perfectly blends the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken. Plus, using chickpea pasta gives it a nutritious boost that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills you up and keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows nine small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a small bowl filled with pale yellow melted butter, next to it a white scalloped bowl with creamy white milk, and to the right a clear bowl holding shredded white-yellow mozzarella cheese. Below, on the left, a white bowl edged in blue contains chunky white cottage cheese. Next to it is a smaller white bowl with a light beige powder of ranch seasoning, followed by another white bowl holding bright orange buffalo sauce. Below these, a white bowl contains light brown shredded chicken pieces. To the right is a larger white bowl filled with yellow spiral pasta, with a few pieces lying nearby on the marbled surface. Finally, at the bottom, a small clear bowl holds fine beige breadcrumbs, and next to it a white bowl edged in blue contains shredded orange cheddar cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for hitting the right balance of creamy, spicy, and hearty in this mac and cheese. Each element plays a crucial role, from the protein-rich chickpea pasta to the tangy buffalo sauce and melty cheeses that create that irresistible texture.

12 oz chickpea pasta: Chickpea pasta adds a wonderful protein boost and a firm texture that withstands baking without getting mushy.
16 oz full-fat cottage cheese: This is the secret to a creamy, smooth sauce that adds moisture and creaminess without being heavy.
½ cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show for that classic, spicy kick that buffalo chicken lovers adore.
2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken is perfect for adding protein and heartiness.
¼ cup milk: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly and keeps the texture just right.
2 tablespoon ranch seasoning: Adds an herby, tangy depth that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and richness that melt into every bite.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretch and a mild balance to cheddar.
1 tablespoon melted butter: Used for mixing with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy topping.
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs: Offers a perfectly crisp crust that contrasts the creamy mac and cheese underneath.

How to Make High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and cook pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F to get ready for baking. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chickpea pasta according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook it—chickpea pasta can get mushy if left too long. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, setting it off the heat to keep it warm while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Blend the creamy buffalo cheese sauce

While the pasta cooks, it’s time to prepare the sauce. Add the full-fat cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, milk, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella into a blender or food processor. Blend everything on high speed until the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This sauce will coat your pasta with rich flavor and a spicy kick, making every forkful an explosion of taste.

Step 3: Prepare crunchy breadcrumb topping

Mix the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl. This mixture will bake into a golden and crunchy topping, adding delightful texture to the creamy dish below. Set this aside for now.

Step 4: Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce

Next, add the shredded chicken and the cheesy buffalo sauce to the cooked pasta. Stir everything thoroughly so that the noodles and chicken are fully coated in the luscious sauce. This step ensures every mouthful has the perfect combination of protein and overwhelming creaminess.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden brown and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbling. This final step locks in all the flavors and gives you that classic baked mac and cheese appeal.

How to Serve High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white bowl with a wooden rim holds a creamy macaroni and shredded white meat mixture in a smooth, light orange sauce. The sauce coats the small spiral pasta and meat evenly, with some sauce smeared on the bowl's sides. A wooden spatula rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the sauce. Next to the bowl is a food processor container with more of the same orange sauce, smooth and thick. The setting is on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh touch to your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe by garnishing with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or a few crumbles of blue cheese can elevate the flavor even more and make the dish pop visually.

Side Dishes

Pair this spicy mac and cheese with crisp celery sticks or a simple side salad to balance out the richness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots work great too, adding color and nutrition to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions. It’s also delightful spooned over a bed of fresh greens or stuffed inside bell peppers before baking for a protein-packed comfort meal that looks impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily store leftovers of this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal option.

Freezing

This dish freezes well too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through to keep the breadcrumb topping crispy. Alternatively, microwave portions covered for 1-2 minutes but note the topping won’t be as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Absolutely! While chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber, regular pasta will work fine if you prefer. Just watch the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The buffalo sauce does bring heat, but it’s balanced by the creamy cheese sauce and ranch seasoning. You can adjust the buffalo sauce amount to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add roasted veggies like cauliflower or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist with plenty of flavor and protein.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?

Using two forks to pull apart freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken makes shredding quick and easy. You can also pulse chicken a few times in a food processor if you want finer shreds.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Make the cheese and buffalo sauce mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just stir it before assembling the dish for baking.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is a true game changer—combining comfort and spice with a hearty boost of protein. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed mac and cheese without that unforgettable buffalo twist. So grab your ingredients, dig in, and watch this become your go-to meal that your family and friends will beg you to make again and again.

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need