BUFFALO MAC 'N CHEESE

Buffalo Mac 'n Cheese image

Provided by Pamela Dapice

Categories Chicken

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 16

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1 lb fusilli or rotini pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tsp celery seed, crushed
2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 celery ribs; diced
3 clove garlic; minced
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp dry mustard
2 1/2 c 2% milk
1/2 c buffalo wing sauce
8 oz sharp cheddar; shredded
3/4 c crumbled blue cheese
1/2 c plain breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Heat broiler. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add pasta and cook 8 minutes, or as stated on package directions; drain.
2. Meanwhile, sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the celery seed, 1 teaspoon of the paprika and the salt.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken, 3 to 5 minutes, until cooked through; set aside.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add celery to the same skillet and saute 4 minutes. Add garlic; continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more. Set aside with chicken.
5. In saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and mustard powder, whisking for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in milk and sauce, whisking until it boils. Simmer for 3 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat; stir in cheddar, 1/2 cup of the blue cheese and remaining paprika.
8. Add pasta, celery, garlic and chicken.
9. Place in a broiler-safe dish.
10. Microwave remaining tablespoon butter for 30 seconds. Stir in breadcrumbs and remaining 1/2 teaspoon celery seed.
11. Sprinkle over dish with remaining 1/4 cup blue cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned.