Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Mushrooms
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy and satisfying Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Mushrooms. This recipe combines tender macaroni with juicy, seasoned chicken breast and earthy cremini mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce spiced with a hint of paprika. Optional panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy golden topping, while fresh parsley provides a pop of color and flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing casserole, this dish offers a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and rich textures. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-size pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cremini mushrooms, season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned and tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and paprika. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chicken pieces, mushrooms, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if adding a breadcrumb topping.
If desired, transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top and bake for 10-12 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Mushrooms!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
841 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 166 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 955 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 45.4 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 542 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 566 mg | 12% | |
*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.
