Looking for a dish that delivers comfort with a kick? Our Nashville chicken with mac n cheese might just become your new favorite dinner! Imagine tender, cheesy pasta paired with the unmistakable fiery heat of Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning. This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights. It’s rich, creamy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and comfort food classics, this recipe is worth adding to your meal rotation.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Health Benefits
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, universally loved, and always hits the spot. But what if we told you that your go-to dinner dish could get an epic upgrade? Enter: Nashville chicken with mac n cheese. Inspired by the spicy and flavorful Nashville Hot Chicken, this variation adds a fiery twist to your favorite cheesy dish. Let’s be real: who doesn’t love a meal that’s equal parts creamy and spicy?
The history of Nashville Hot Chicken dates back to the South, where bold seasonings transformed fried chicken into a mouth-watering dish with a loyal fan base. We’ve borrowed those flavors and paired them with creamy cheese sauce and pasta to give you a match made in foodie heaven. Plus, this baked version means you’ll get those golden bubbly cheese edges everyone fights over! Whether you’re feeding your family or having friends over, this dish is guaranteed to be the star of any meal.
Why You’ll Love Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe
- Bold, spicy Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning brings a kick to the classic mac and cheese
- Perfectly creamy cheese sauce for that ultimate comfort food appeal
- Quick & easy – only 40 minutes from start to finish
- Family-friendly and customizable to adjust spice levels
- Great for gatherings or potlucks – serves up to 8 people
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- Delivers perfect balance of comfort and excitement in one bite
- Bakes beautifully for a bubbly, golden topping
Key Ingredients for Nashville chicken with mac n cheese
- Butter – Essential for the roux, but margarine can be a substitute.
- Uncooked pasta – Elbow macaroni is a favorite, but penne or shells work too.
- Flour – Helps thicken the cheese sauce; gluten-free flour can work for a GF option.
- Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning – The star of the show! Substitute with your own hot spice mix if preferred.
- Milk – Adds creaminess; use non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
- Heavy whipping cream – For richer sauce; substitute with half-and-half if needed.
- Shredded cheese – Choose your favorite blend like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
How to Make the Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish. Leave it aside while you prep the other ingredients.
- Cook pasta
In a large pot, bring water to boil and cook the macaroni until just under al dente. This ensures it doesn’t get mushy later.
- Make roux
Melt butter in a large pot, then whisk in the flour and Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning to form a paste. Gradually whisk in milk and cream while cooking for a thick, creamy base.
- Combine pasta and sauce
Drain the pasta (don’t rinse!) and mix it gently with the cheese sauce to coat every piece in creamy goodness.
- Bake
Spread the mac & cheese mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve
Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes, then serve warm for the best cheesy experience. Feel free to top it with extra seasoning!
Expert Tips for Success for Nashville chicken with mac n cheese
Don’t overcook the pasta – aim for just under al dente.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting than pre-packaged shreds.
Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning.
Whisk continuously while making the roux to avoid any lumps.
Let the mac n cheese sit before serving to get the perfect creamy consistency.
Variations and Customizations of Nashville chicken with mac n cheese
To make it milder, cut back on the Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning.
Switch up the cheese by adding pepper jack for extra spice or swapping cheddar for a milder flavor.
Want to add protein? Throw in shredded chicken, diced bacon, or ground beef.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and flour. Lactose-intolerant? Use non-dairy milk and cheese substitutes.
Health Benefits of Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe
Our Nashville chicken with mac n cheese isn’t just all about fun flavors; it has surprising nutritional benefits, too! The cheese packs a punch of calcium, which helps keep your bones strong and healthy. The pasta provides energy-boosting carbohydrates that your body needs, especially on busy days. Using milk and cream also adds Vitamin A for your eyes and a bit of protein to help repair muscles. Just remember to moderate portions, as the rich and spicy flavors are easy to love but can be calorie-packed. Customize the dish with whole-grain pasta, lower-fat cheese, or less seasoning to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying every bite!
Nutritional Information about Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe
This Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe packs approximately 400 calories per serving. The breakdown includes around 20 grams of fat (with 12 grams saturated), 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein, making it a hearty main dish. It’s also a good source of calcium (300 mg) and provides small amounts of potassium and iron. For those watching sodium intake, note the dish contains about 700 mg per serving. Feel free to tweak the ingredients if you want a lighter version.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe
To store leftovers, transfer the mac n cheese to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes (covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist) or bake it at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Recipe Card of Nashville chicken with mac n cheese
Ingredients list
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups uncooked pasta
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Member's Mark™ Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups shredded cheese your choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large pot, prepare the macaroni according to package instructions but cook it just under al dente.
- Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste, then add the hot seasoning. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Adjust to medium-high heat, whisk in 3 cups of cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Drain the pasta without rinsing and return to the pot. Pour over the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Transfer the mac & cheese to the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top. Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden.
- Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the cheese sauce set. Add a touch of seasoning if desired, and enjoy warm!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About Nashville chicken with mac n cheese Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish but stop before baking. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is a classic, but shells, penne, or cavatappi are great alternatives.
How can I make it kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning for a more family-friendly version.
