Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add Cheddar: Lower heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until coated in the cheese sauce.
- Bake (optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg