Description
A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, gooey cheese, and pasta, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or shells
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Season and cook the chicken breast in a skillet until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For a lighter option, incorporate vegetables like peas or spinach. You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg