Description
This creamy chicken mac and cheese combines tender shredded chicken with cheesy elbow macaroni in a rich, comforting sauce. Perfect for a heartwarming meal, this recipe blends simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat the chicken: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and sauté just until heated through, ensuring it’s warmed evenly.
- Simmer the milk: Pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil, to prepare for melting the cheese.
- Melt the cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering milk, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the sauce with rich, savory flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all the pasta in the creamy cheese and chicken mixture.
- Serve hot: Once well combined and heated through, serve the creamy chicken mac and cheese immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional garlic or onion powder according to your taste preference.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter to the sauce.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta option.
