Creamy Zesty Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Indulge in a guilt-free comfort dish that merges the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the delightful kick of buffalo flavors. This Creamy Zesty Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese elevates your traditional recipe into a healthier, yet equally satisfying meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and nourish the body raw cashews, it's plant-based without compromising on flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Your taste buds will adore the warm spices and zesty notes, while your waistline will thank you for choosing a healthier option. Dive into this delicious bowl of goodness, and relish the yumminess guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon Gold potato
1 cup (peeled and cubed)
Baby carrots
1/4 cup
Yellow onion
1/4 cup
Raw cashews
1/2 cup
Quinoa macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
Vegetable stock
3/4 cup (or use reserved cooking liquid from step 2)
Coconut milk
1/4 cup (canned, suggested BPA free lined organic)
Nutritional yeast flakes
2 1/2 tablespoons
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Garlic clove
1
Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Cumin
1/8 teaspoon
Chicken sausage
8 ounces (cooked and cubed)
Grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (or vegan Parmesan for a healthier alternative)
Hot sauce
3-5 dashes (optional, recommend -- Crystals)
Fresh parsley
1 pinch (optional for garnish)
Paprika
1 dash (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, baby carrots, yellow onion, and raw cashews with enough water to cover the vegetables (about 6 cups). Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender and easily mashable, roughly 10-15 minutes.
2
Once cooked, strain the mixture, reserving the cooking liquid in a large bowl. This liquid will be used instead of vegetable stock. Allow it to cool slightly.
3
While the vegetable mixture is cooling, cook the quinoa macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
4
In a blender, combine the reserved cooking liquid (or vegetable stock), canned coconut milk, the strained potato mixture, nutritional yeast flakes, fresh lemon juice, garlic clove, celery seed, onion powder, salt, white pepper, turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa macaroni. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and gently fold to combine. Stir in the cubed chicken sausage and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
6
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into individual serving bowls.
7
Optional: Add a few dashes of hot sauce for extra tanginess, and garnish with fresh parsley and a dash of paprika.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Zesty Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese?
This dish is a healthier, plant-based twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring buffalo-flavored chicken sausage and a creamy sauce made from wholesome vegetables.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is designed as a guilt-free comfort dish that uses Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and raw cashews to create a nutrient-dense sauce instead of heavy cream.
How do I make the sauce creamy without dairy?
The creaminess is achieved by blending boiled potatoes, baby carrots, and raw cashews with nutritional yeast and coconut milk.
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 cup of peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture.
Can this buffalo mac and cheese be made vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by using a plant-based sausage alternative and vegan Parmesan cheese as suggested in the ingredients.
What provides the protein in this dish?
The primary protein sources are 8 ounces of cooked chicken sausage and the quinoa macaroni.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using quinoa macaroni, this dish is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta dishes.
What is the recommended pasta for this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of quinoa macaroni, cooked according to the package instructions.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables for the sauce?
The potatoes, carrots, and onions should be boiled for approximately 10-15 minutes until they are tender and easily mashable.
Why are raw cashews included in the ingredients?
Raw cashews are used to add a rich, creamy consistency and healthy fats to the plant-based sauce.
What should I do with the vegetable cooking liquid?
Instead of discarding it, reserve the cooking liquid to use as a substitute for vegetable stock when blending the sauce.
How is the buffalo flavor achieved?
The zesty buffalo profile comes from a combination of cayenne pepper, cumin, white pepper, and optional dashes of hot sauce.
What is the role of nutritional yeast in this recipe?
Nutritional yeast flakes provide a savory, cheesy flavor to the sauce without the need for large amounts of dairy.
Can I substitute the chicken sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken sausage with any preferred protein or a meat-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.
What type of coconut milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of canned coconut milk, ideally organic and from a BPA-free lined can.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Blend the cooked vegetable mixture, cashews, spices, lemon juice, and liquid on high for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth.
What if I don't have coconut milk?
While coconut milk adds creaminess, you could increase the amount of vegetable stock or use another non-dairy milk as a substitute.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
Optional garnishes include a few dashes of hot sauce, fresh parsley, and a dash of paprika for presentation and extra flavor.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on using 8 ounces of macaroni, this recipe typically serves 3 to 4 people.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat the mac and cheese?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I use regular Parmesan cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative for a healthier option.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild to moderate heat from the cayenne and hot sauce, which can be adjusted to your personal preference.
Why is turmeric included in the ingredients?
Turmeric is used both for its anti-inflammatory properties and to give the sauce a vibrant, golden cheese-like color.
Can I use store-bought vegetable stock?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of store-bought vegetable stock if you prefer not to use the reserved cooking liquid.
How should the chicken sausage be prepared?
The chicken sausage should be fully cooked and then cubed into bite-sized pieces before being stirred into the pasta.
Can I add extra vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely, you can stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed peppers to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the creamy texture and familiar flavors make it an excellent way to serve vegetables to children in a comforting format.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be blended ahead of time and stored in the fridge, then reheated and tossed with fresh pasta when ready.
What brand of hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Crystals brand hot sauce for the best tangy and zesty results.