Description
Creamy chicken mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy pasta, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked, shredded boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add shredded chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper; sauté for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- 3. In another saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened.
- 4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce to coat evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- 6. For a crispy finish, pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Add vegetables such as spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg