Description
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, multi-cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It's easy to prepare and offers a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Smoked paprika
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 lb Elbow macaroni or preferred short pasta
1 tbsp Salt for pasta water
4 tbsp Unsalted butter
4 tbsp All-purpose flour
3 cups Whole milk
1 cup Heavy cream
2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp Nutmeg
Salt & white pepper to taste
2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
- Heat a skillet and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then set aside
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain and set aside
- In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour to create a roux
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and heavy cream until thickened
- Remove from heat and whisk in cheeses until melted, then stir in Dijon and nutmeg
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated
- Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
Don't overcook the chicken; it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg