Chicken Macaroni Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Macaroni Cheese Bake — a hearty, flavor-packed dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Tender macaroni is combined with juicy, pan-seared chicken breast and enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce. Topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb layer, this baked pasta dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures with every bite. Seasoned with a hint of paprika and finished with optional fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, this casserole is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this easy chicken pasta bake is ready in under an hour and serves up cheesy goodness for all.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams macaroni pasta
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.75 cups bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set the pasta aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then chop into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all the grated parmesan cheese. Add paprika and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are well coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil (or melted butter) for a golden crust. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3637 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 165.5 g | 212% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.6 g | 453% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 713 mg | 238% | |
| Sodium | 5548 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 296.6 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 242.4 g | 485% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2910 mg | 224% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 2711 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
