Description
A warm and comforting dish featuring tender pasta in a velvety cheese sauce with seasoned chicken, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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 for topping)
Instructions
- Start by bringing salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, allowing it to thicken for about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to blend until the sauce is melted and silky.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated in the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Feel free to swap the cheese or pasta for alternatives to suit dietary needs. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken pasta, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy pasta