Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies, this Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a wholesome twist. Featuring tender macaroni coated in a rich, homemade cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce, complemented by bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken breast and vibrant broccoli florets, this one-pot meal is as satisfying as it is delicious. By combining classic mac and cheese flavors with a boost of nutrients from the broccoli and lean protein from the chicken, it’s a family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Ready in just 40 minutes, this hearty recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. Serve it warm, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of paprika for a dish everyone will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 pieces chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk, whole or 2%
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp paprika
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, adding the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until it begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Add garlic powder and paprika, stirring until the cheese sauce is creamy and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni, broccoli, and diced chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan or paprika if desired. Enjoy your Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3113 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.0 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.8 g | 454% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 734 mg | 245% | |
| Sodium | 5336 mg | 232% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 181.2 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.5 g | ||
| Protein | 236.4 g | 473% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.5 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 3130 mg | 241% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2453 mg | 52% | |
*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.
