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A bowl of creamy chicken mac and cheese on a rustic wooden table. The dish features tender pasta coated in a rich, smooth cheese sauce with chunks of seasoned chicken, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The vibrant yellow and orange cheese contrasts with the crispy breadcrumb topping, creating a warm and appetizing presentation. The background includes a wooden spoon and a small bowl of extra cheese, styled casually for a comforting home-cooked feel.

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Easy Weeknight Dinner

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This creamy chicken mac and cheese combines tender pasta, savory chicken, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a complete, comforting meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to make a roux, cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens.
  4. Add shredded chicken, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses; stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety.
  • Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop and oven baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, Chicken

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg