Copycat Boston Pizza Spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese

There’s something bold and irresistible about a dish that combines creamy comfort with a fiery kick. The Copycat Boston Pizza Spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese does just that. This indulgent favorite has earned a cult following across Canada thanks to its velvety Alfredo-style sauce, spiraled cavatappi pasta, tangy Buffalo heat, and golden-baked breadcrumb topping. It’s the kind of mac and cheese that doesn’t just fill you up, it makes you pause after the first bite and say, “Wow, that’s good.”

Whether you’ve enjoyed this classic in the buzzing booths of Boston Pizza or discovered it through a TikTok food crawl, now’s your chance to recreate it at home. We’ve kept everything you love, from the heat-laced chicken to the crunchy topping, and added practical tips to get that restaurant-level taste using your own oven.

How to make Copycat Boston Pizza Spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese

This recipe starts with a rich, homemade Buffalo Alfredo sauce built on a roux, heavy cream, and a generous mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Tossed with tender cavatappi pasta and chunks of Buffalo-style chicken, the dish is topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 1,280 kcal
Servings: 4
Protein: 58g per serving
Fat: 67g
Carbohydrates: 119g
Sodium: approx. 3,500mg

Ingredients, instructions and tips

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Alfredo sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup Buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

For the mac and cheese base:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced (optional)

For the topping:

• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• Medium pot
• Colander
• Mixing spoon
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven or broiler

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Buffalo Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Add cheese and heat: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and Buffalo sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Combine: Fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Mix until well coated.
5. Assemble and top: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake: Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before scooping. Garnish with sliced green onions if using.

Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Make it spicier with extra Buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
• Avoid overcooking pasta. It continues cooking in the oven.
• Letting the dish rest before serving helps it hold shape better.

What to serve with

When serving the spicy and savory Copycat Boston Pizza Spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese, pairing it with the right sides can enhance every bite. Think cooling elements or fresh flavors to cut through the richness, or go all in with more comfort classics.

Fresh and Crunchy Salads

Blue Cheese Wedge Salad: Crisp iceberg lettuce drizzled with blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, and chives. It echoes the Buffalo wing vibes and cools the heat.

Apple and Kale Slaw: Shredded kale, tart apples, carrots, and a honey-lemon vinaigrette bring a crunchy, zesty balance to the creamy pasta.

Cooling Side Dishes

Celery and Ranch Dip Plate: Stay true to Buffalo tradition by serving celery and carrot sticks with ranch dressing. It’s classic for a reason.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Potato Salad: Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt in a creamy potato salad loaded with dill, garlic, and onion. It soothes and satisfies.

Starchy Sides

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic and herbs make the perfect sponge for extra sauce.

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges: Slightly sweet and oven-roasted, these offer a smoky, earthy contrast to the spicy mac.

Grilled Vegetables

Charred Broccoli and Cauliflower: Toss in olive oil, salt, and chili flakes before grilling. The slight bitterness works beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.

Drinks

Sparkling Lemonade: A bubbly lemon drink with a touch of honey or mint cools the palate and refreshes.

Iced Apple Cider: Slightly sweet and crisp, it adds fall comfort to a spicy meal any time of year.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Pasta
   Original Ingredient: Cavatappi pasta
   Substitutes:
   Elbow Macaroni: A classic shape that still traps sauce well.
   Shell Pasta: Great for scooping up creamy sauce.
   Gluten-Free Pasta: Choose corn or rice-based spirals if avoiding gluten.
2. Cheese Blend
   Original Ingredient: Mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan
   Substitutes:
   Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and brings a mild, buttery taste.
   Gruyère: Adds nuttiness and richness to the sauce.
   Plant-Based Cheese: Look for vegan shreds that melt well for a dairy-free option.
3. Buffalo Sauce
   Original Ingredient: Frank’s RedHot or similar Buffalo wing sauce
   Substitutes:
   Homemade Mix: Combine hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and white vinegar.
   Sriracha Blend: Spicier with a touch of sweetness.
   BBQ Sauce with Chili Flakes: Milder heat and smoky flavor.
4. Heavy Cream
   Original Ingredient: Heavy cream
   Substitutes:
   Half and Half: Lighter, still creamy.
   Evaporated Milk: Richer texture with less fat.
   Coconut Cream: Use for a dairy-free richness with a hint of sweetness.
5. Breadcrumb Topping
   Original Ingredient: Panko with butter and Parmesan
   Substitutes:
   Crushed Crackers: Adds a salty, crunchy top.
   Toasted Almond Meal: A low-carb, nutty alternative.
   Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: For a celiac-friendly crunch.
6. Chicken
   Original Ingredient: Cooked shredded chicken
   Substitutes:
   Pulled Pork: Adds a smoky twist.
   Roasted Cauliflower: For a vegetarian version.
   Tempeh or Tofu: Marinate in Buffalo sauce for a plant-based swap.