Ana's Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Quick, easy, and delicious! My cute college daughter made this and it's such a wonderful, filling dish. So good! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For chicken:

-1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into chunks

-1/2 tsp garlic powder

-1/2 tsp smoked paprika

-1/4 tsp chili powder

-1/4 tsp cayenne

For pasta and sauce:

-8 oz elbow macaroni or any small pasta you have

-2 Tbs butter

-2 Tbs flour

-1.5 cups milk (at least 2%)

-1/2 tsp salt

-1/4 tsp pepper

-1/4 tsp garlic powder

-1/4 tsp smoked paprika

-1/3 cup hot sauce (we prefer Frank's)

-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Generously coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Add the chicken chunks and season with the spices. Mix well and cook until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from stove.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain.

While the chicken and pasta are cooking, let's make the sauce. Melt the butter in large pan (a wok would work great). Whisk in the flour to make your roux. Once nice and smooth, slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until smooth. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Give it a good stir, then whisk in the hot sauce and cheese. 

Once smooth, stir in the cooked chicken and drained pasta. Give it one last good stir. Serve and enjoy!