Description
A comforting and delicious creamy chicken mac and cheese recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 oz elbow pasta
- 20–24 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced into 1 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup milk (2% recommended)
- 4 cups grated cheese (2 cups sharp cheddar and 2 cups gruyere)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided into two servings of 1 teaspoon each)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in water in accordance with the instructions on the package. When cooked, drain the pasta (reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta water from the pot) and set the cooked pasta aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Heat a pot or skillet on medium heat. If you’re not using a non-stick pan, oil the pan with olive oil or butter.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken on both sides until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt at medium-low heat. Sprinkle the flour throughout the pan and onto the melted butter. Stir to combine into a roux.
- Add the heavy cream, milk, grated cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the pot/pan and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
- Preheat the oven to Broil.
- Reserve 1 cup of grated cheese. Use only 3 cups of cheese in the sauce or top the dish with more cheese.
- Sprinkle the cup of cheese on top of the chicken mac and cheese.
- Broil for 4-6 minutes or until the top has browned. Be careful not to overcook.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be adjusted based on desired spice levels.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Broil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg