Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
A comforting dish that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free options available
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in the flour until smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, allowing it to thicken for about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until well combined.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. You can add vegetables for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/creamy-chicken-macaroni/