Buffalo Mac

By jkenb

Ingredients

• 1 pound fusilli or rotini
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon celery seed, crushed
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 2 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
• 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

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