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Chicken And Macaroni Recipes

Chicken and Macaroni Recipes

Chicken and macaroni recipes are classic family favorites—creamy, filling, and ready in under 40 minutes. With juicy chicken, cheesy sauce, and tender pasta, these meals are budget-friendly and kid-approved, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Optional Bake 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish (optional)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cubed
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni uncooked

Sauce Base

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Cheese

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated, optional

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 onion small, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets or spinach optional add-in

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 pinch nutmeg optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  • Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook in skillet with 1 tbsp oil or butter until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and broth until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Lower heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
  • Stir in chicken, pasta, and optional vegetables until everything is well coated.
  • Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve. Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1900IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 230mgIron: 2.6mg
Keyword Cheesy Dinner, chicken, comfort food, Macaroni, Pasta
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