Description
This Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender, sautéed chicken breasts with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, smothered in a rich and smooth sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Optional breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch when baked to golden perfection. A hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing chicken and sauce)
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- Salt for boiling water
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheddar: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Bake (Optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different twist.
- Whole milk provides a creamy texture; for a lighter version, you may use 2% milk but expect a slightly less rich sauce.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional, but adds a nice crunchy texture layer when baked.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, chicken pasta recipe, comfort food
