One Pot Quinoa Mac and Cheese made with a buffalo chicken kick. Throw these simple ingredients together for a fiber-packed take on this comfort food classic.

(Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian Option)

My love for macaroni and cheese will always have a place in my heart. I know, deep down, that even 27 years from now I will make myself a pan of macaroni and cheese for dinner with a glass of wine though. Because I am an adult and I can do I want.

One day I realized I really need to find a better way to make my macaroni and cheese with a little more adult-like oomph and a healthy boost. Helllllo quinoa!

Quinoa and I took a break from each other. We are back together now and I have to say, it’s definitely a love-love relationship.

Cooking with Quinoa has its benefits!

Easy – I find it easier to make than rice. With Quinoa I never have problems with it being too sticky or too gummy.
Fiber – Hello fiber. We all need it in our lives. When it’s traditional rice pasta vs. quinoa, quinoa will win.
Not Starchy – Quinoa doesn’t create the excess starch that rice does, which I find makes it the more ideal for One-Pot Meals!

Vegetarian Option for our Buffalo Mac and Cheese.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese can be made sans chicken if that’s your thing. It’s still just as delicious.

While in Tennessee, my sister got me back into deli meat. I have to trek to get the nitrate-free brand and haven’t gotten it in a while for that reason … but I’m definitely hooked again.

It was my easy way of adding protein to the dish and paired with the hot sauce it was the perfect buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese combination.

Add this one-pot meal to your weekly rotation and I guarantee your week will instantly get better. And in my professional opinion, a glass of wine with a pot of mac and cheese is a more than a acceptably awesome way to spend your Friday night as an adult.

Items You Might Need for this recipe.

One Pot Quinoa Mac and Cheese (Buffalo Chicken Style)

Weight Watcher Points: 8 SmartPoints

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian Option

Gluten-free

One Pot Quinoa Mac and Cheese made with a buffalo chicken kick. Throw these easy ingredients together for a more fiber packed take on this comfort food classic.

Print Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 20 min

Total Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup franks red hot sauce
Pinch of Salt and Pepper to taste.
2 Tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter substitute)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese substitute)
1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
Optional: 1 cup shredded chicken breast or vegetarian chicken replacement

Directions:

In a medium pan with lid. Add quinoa, broth, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Stir together.
Set on medium-low heat, cover with lid. Cook until quinoa is cooked and all liquid is absorbed (Apprx 15-20 minutes)
Add butter, cheese, milk and option chicken breast. Stir until all cheese and butter is melted.
Serve immediately.

Recipe Video:

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1 serving
Calories: 247
Other nutrition information: Fat: 12.3 Saturated fat: 6.7 Unsaturated fat: 4 Trans fat: 0 Carbohydrates: 21.8 Sugar: 1.0 Sodium: 456 Fiber: 2.0 Protein: 12.6 Cholesterol: 40.9