Description
A comforting bowl of creamy chicken mac and cheese that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
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 a crispy topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Cheddar: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce until everything is well-coated.
- Bake (optional): If desired, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Notes
Serve with a light side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Pasta Dish