Buffalo Chicken Sausage Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Zesty Kick
There are few dishes as universally beloved as macaroni and cheese. It’s a timeless classic, a warm embrace in a bowl, and the ultimate culinary journey back to childhood. Here at Wishes and Dishes, our passion for creamy, cheesy pasta knows no bounds, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce another spectacular addition to our collection: this incredible Buffalo Chicken Sausage Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s a dish that masterfully combines the zesty, spicy notes of Buffalo chicken with the rich, comforting embrace of macaroni and cheese, all elevated by the delicious addition of chicken sausage.
While some might call it a “problem” to have so many macaroni and cheese recipes, we consider it a delightful obsession! The beauty of this dish lies in its incredible versatility and the endless possibilities for flavor innovation. This particular recipe stands out because it takes two beloved comfort food staples – classic mac and cheese and the bold flavor of Buffalo wings – and marries them into a single, irresistible creation. The result is a dish that’s far from boring; it’s an exciting, flavorful adventure that will satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings with a perfectly balanced hint of spice.
Zweigle’s chicken sausage is truly exceptional. Its superior quality and flavor profile set it apart, making it the perfect choice for this robust macaroni and cheese dish. What makes it even more convenient is that it comes fully cooked, drastically cutting down on your preparation time. This means you can integrate it directly into your mac and cheese without any fuss. However, for those who appreciate an extra layer of flavor and texture, we highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to slice and brown the sausage until it achieves a beautiful golden hue. This simple step caramelizes the exterior, intensifying its savory notes and adding a delightful crispness that complements the creamy pasta beautifully. While not strictly essential if you’re short on time, it’s a worthwhile addition that elevates the overall dish.
The Buffalo Style sausage from Zweigle’s is crafted from 100% boneless, skinless chicken meat, seasoned with an ideal blend of tangy buffalo spices. This makes it an absolutely perfect pairing for our Buffalo Chicken Sausage Macaroni & Cheese, infusing every bite with that signature zesty kick. Beyond their fantastic Buffalo variety, Zweigle’s offers a diverse range of other chicken sausage flavors, including Spinach and Feta, Italian, Chorizo, and Lime Chipotle. This extensive selection ensures that you can easily find a Zweigle’s chicken sausage to inspire and enhance countless different recipes, from quick weeknight meals to elaborate weekend feasts. Their commitment to quality and flavor truly shines through in every product.
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Unlock a world of delicious possibilities by exploring more great recipe ideas and purchasing Zweigle’s products online. If Zweigle’s isn’t available in your local stores, simply head over to Zweigles.com to have their fantastic products delivered right to your door. Happy cooking, and prepare to elevate your meals with the unparalleled taste of Zweigle’s chicken sausage!
If the delightful blend of flavors in this recipe has captured your taste buds, we’re confident you’ll also adore our Creamy Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese, perfect for a hands-off, comforting meal. For those exploring alternative options, don’t miss this brilliant low-carb Macaroni & Cheese recipe from our friend Kalyn, which cleverly uses buttermilk for a unique twist!
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb medium shells pasta
- 3 chicken sausages, sliced (We recommend Zweigle’s Buffalo style for authentic flavor)
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 + 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, plus 1/2 cup extra for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing to serve with (optional, but highly recommended for dipping)
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and brown slightly on both sides until golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks and sausage browns, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour.
- Continue to whisk the flour and butter mixture (roux) for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty. This helps cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and stir frequently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Then, slowly add in the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses.
- Stir the cheese sauce until it is completely smooth and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Carefully stir in the Buffalo wing sauce, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the cheese sauce.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta and browned chicken sausage to the dish.
- Gently mix the pasta and chicken sausage together, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Pour the creamy Buffalo cheese sauce generously over the pasta and sausage mixture, ensuring every noodle is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle the Panko bread crumbs evenly over the top, followed by the extra 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and prevents it from being too runny.
- Serve hot, with a side of cool ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired. Enjoy this ultimate comforting and flavorful meal!
Disclaimer: We extend our sincere gratitude to Zweigle’s for their generous sponsorship of this culinary discussion. Rest assured, all opinions expressed herein are entirely our own and remain 100% authentic, as always.
Recipe source: This delightful recipe was inspired by the creative culinary work found at topnotchmom.com.