Macaroni and Cheese a La King
Elevate classic comfort food with this indulgent and flavorful twist: Macaroni and Cheese a La King. This vibrant dish takes creamy, cheesy macaroni to the next level by combining tender diced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and sweet peas for a hearty, colorful medley. The velvety cheese sauce, featuring sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, is luxuriously rich and perfectly seasoned with a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick. Finished with a golden baked crust, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and baked textures. Ready in just under an hour, it’s an ideal crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks. Indulge in the ultimate mash-up of macaroni and cheese and the comforting flavors of Chicken a La King—your taste buds will thank you!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 0.5 cups frozen peas
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the frozen peas and cooked, diced chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a large mixing bowl or the pot used to cook the pasta, combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed chicken and vegetables, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Optional: sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs over the top for added texture.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese a La King!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
869 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.5 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.2 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 190 mg | 63% | |
| Sodium | 843 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 51.1 g | 102% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 527 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 713 mg | 15% | |
*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.
