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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Dish

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting, quick dish filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Classic shape for creamy pasta
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Chicken Breasts Cooked and cubed, can use rotisserie chicken
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Divided into two for cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Use gluten-free flour for gluten-free version
  • 2 cups Milk Substitute with almond milk if preferred
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can mix with gouda or mozzarella
For the Topping (Optional)
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs are extra crispy

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • Oven-safe dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Cook the cubed chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually stir in the milk and cook until thickened.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine: Add the pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce, folding until fully coated.
  6. Bake (Optional): Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stir cheese slowly into the sauce for a silky texture and avoid adding cold cheese, which could create clumps.

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