Description
A comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta in one delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 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
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until everything is well coated in the cheese sauce.
- For a crunchy topping, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven if baked. You can add different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American