Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food made with pasta and creamy cheese sauce. At Noodles & Company, choices include Creamy Cheddar Mac, Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac, and Pulled Pork BBQ Mac. You can also make a simple mac and cheese recipe at home with macaroni, cheese, milk, and butter.
Mac & Cheese Menu with Price
The Noodles & Company Mac & Cheese menu includes three options with different toppings, prices, and calorie counts.
| Menu Item | Small Price | Regular Price | Calories |
| Creamy Cheddar Mac | $7.50 | $8.75 | 520–1,050 |
| Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac | $12.70 | $13.95 | 780–1,380 |
| Pulled Pork BBQ Mac | $12.70 | $13.95 | 680–1,240 |
Prices may vary by location.
Creamy Cheddar Mac
Creamy Cheddar Mac uses elbow noodles in creamy cheddar and jack cheese sauce, finished with cheese. It is the simplest Noodles & Company option for a traditional cheesy flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac combines elbow noodles, creamy cheese sauce, chicken, Buffalo sauce, scallions, onions, and ranch. It adds spicy, tangy, and savory flavors to classic mac and cheese.
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac features elbow noodles, creamy cheese sauce, smoky pulled pork, BBQ sauce, scallions, and onions. It is a hearty choice with sweet and smoky barbecue flavor.
Mac and Cheese Nutrition
Mac and cheese nutrition depends on ingredients and portion size. At Noodles & Company, Creamy Cheddar Mac ranges from 520 calories small to 1,050 calories regular. Chicken, pork, cheese, and sauces can increase calories further.
| Menu Item | Calories (Small – Regular) |
| Creamy Cheddar Mac | 520 – 1,050 |
| Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac | 780 – 1,380 |
| Pulled Pork BBQ Mac | 680 – 1,240 |
Noodles & Company Mac & Cheese Allergen Overview
Noodles & Company offers several variations of their signature Mac & Cheese, each customized with different toppings and flavor profiles. Because the foundation of these dishes relies on dairy and traditional pasta, key allergens such as milk, wheat, and gluten are present across all options. Additionally, specialized ingredients like ranch dressing or protein toppings introduce other specific allergens like egg, chicken, or pork.
| Menu Item | Milk/Dairy | Wheat/Gluten | Soy | Egg | Meat / Poultry |
| Creamy Cheddar Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Chicken |
| Pulled Pork BBQ Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Pork |
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Creamy Cheddar Mac
- Cook elbow macaroni pasta until tender.
- Prepare the signature cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in milk, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until smooth.
- Combine the cooked elbow macaroni directly into the creamy cheese sauce.
- Toss together to coat evenly and top with an extra sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac
- Prepare the classic Creamy Cheddar Mac base (elbow macaroni tossed in cheddar and jack cheese sauce).
- Grill and dice cooked chicken breast.
- Layer the warm, diced chicken directly over the mac and cheese.
- Drizzle spicy Buffalo sauce evenly across the dish.
- Drizzle creamy ranch dressing over the top.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and diced onions.
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac
- Prepare the classic Creamy Cheddar Mac base (elbow macaroni tossed in cheddar and jack cheese sauce).
- Shred cooked, tender smoky pulled pork.
- Mound the warm pulled pork over the mac and cheese.
- Drizzle sweet and smoky barbecue sauce generously over the pork and pasta.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and diced onions.
Mac and Cheese Recipe Original
An original mac and cheese recipe generally combines cooked macaroni with a cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Traditional American versions often use cheddar, although recipes vary between families and regions.
Creamy Cheddar Mac
- Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, 2 tbsp butter, 1.5 cups milk, 1.5 cups sharp cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Steps:
- Boil elbow macaroni until tender.
- Melt butter and milk together over low heat, then whisk in the shredded cheddar and jack cheese until smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta directly into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
If you prefer Mac and Cheese Baked style, transfer the creamy pasta to a dish, top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac
- Ingredients: Prepared Creamy Cheddar Mac base, cooked chicken breast, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, chopped scallions, and onions.
- Steps:
- Prepare a batch of classic Creamy Cheddar Mac.
- Grill or bake chicken breast, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the warm diced chicken over the mac and cheese.
- Drizzle with Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
- Finish with chopped scallions and onions.
This is one of the most popular Mac and Cheese Recipes for adding a spicy twist to traditional comfort food.
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac
- Ingredients: Prepared Creamy Cheddar Mac base, cooked pulled pork, barbecue sauce, chopped scallions, and onions.
- Steps:
- Prepare a batch of classic Creamy Cheddar Mac.
- Warm and shred cooked smoky pulled pork.
- Mound the pulled pork generously over the pasta.
- Drizzle sweet and smoky barbecue sauce over the pork.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and onions
Quick Alternatives
- Mac and Cheese Instant: Boil pasta in water, stir in a pre-packaged cheese pouch or quick-melting cheese sauce, and serve in under 10 minutes.
- Mac and Cheese Kraft: Cook the boxed macaroni according to package instructions, mix in butter, milk, and the included cheese powder for a classic, nostalgic flavor.
If you are looking for a simple mac and cheese recipe without using flour for a roux, you can melt butter and milk together over low heat, mix in the shredded cheddar, and stir directly into your hot drained pasta.
Mac and Cheese Near Me
To find mac and cheese near me, check nearby restaurant menus and confirm availability before visiting. Noodles & Company offers Creamy Cheddar Mac along with Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac and Pulled Pork BBQ Mac at participating locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the secret to a good mac and cheese?
A smooth cheese sauce is the key. Use freshly shredded cheese, enough milk, and gentle heat so the sauce stays creamy.
How to make very good mac and cheese?
Cook the pasta properly, use flavorful cheese, season the sauce, and avoid overheating the cheese. A baked topping can add extra texture.
What ingredients do I need for mac and cheese?
You need macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Flour is optional for a traditional cheese sauce.
How to make really simple mac and cheese?
Boil macaroni, drain it, then mix it with butter, milk, cheddar, salt, and pepper while hot. Stir until creamy.
What cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is a strong choice, while Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella can be added for a smoother sauce.
Is baked mac and cheese better?
Baked mac and cheese has a firmer texture and browned topping, while stovetop versions are usually softer and creamier.
What is the best Noodles & Company mac and cheese?
Creamy Cheddar Mac is the classic choice, while Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac and Pulled Pork BBQ Mac are better for diners who want meat and stronger flavors.
Final Thoughts
Mac & Cheese remains an easy comfort-food favorite, whether you order Creamy Cheddar Mac at Noodles & Company or prepare a simple mac and cheese recipe at home. From mac and cheese ingredients to baked, instant, Kraft, and restaurant options, the best choice comes down to flavor, portion, and convenience.