Some days, you just need a meal that’s fast, comforting, and downright delicious. That’s where this 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni comes in! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a lifesaver for busy days. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep it in your weekly rotation—it’s that good!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy
Ready in just 10 minutes, this is the ultimate meal for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
One-Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup required! Everything cooks together in one pot, making life so much easier.
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen—no need for fancy extras.
Family-Friendly
Kids and adults both love it! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Customizable
Throw in your favorite veggies, swap the cheese, or add a little spice to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this macaroni dish so irresistible:
Macaroni
The perfect pasta shape for soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Cooked Chicken
A great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken for an easy protein boost.
Chicken Broth
Adds depth of flavor while keeping everything moist and delicious.
Milk
Creates that creamy, velvety sauce we all love.
Cheese
Melts beautifully into the sauce for a rich and gooey texture.
Butter
Adds extra richness and flavor to the dish.
Garlic & Onion Powder
Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every bite.
Salt & Pepper
A little seasoning to balance all the flavors.
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, cook the macaroni in chicken broth instead of water. This infuses extra flavor right into the pasta.
Add the Chicken
Once the pasta is almost done, stir in the cooked chicken to heat it through.
Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and add milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle in the cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve immediately. It’s creamy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the dish.
- With Garlic Bread: Because everything’s better with warm, buttery bread.
- As a Casserole: Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for a crispy finish.
- With Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
Pre-cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for even faster assembly.
Make it Spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Make it Healthier
Use whole wheat pasta, swap the cheese for a lighter option, or add more veggies.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work great too.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Just reheat with a bit of milk to keep it creamy.
Q3: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both work perfectly.
Q4: Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Of course! Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the milk for extra flavor.
Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, peas, or mushrooms are great additions.
Q6: How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra handful of cheese or mix in a little cream cheese for ultra creaminess.
Q7: Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Absolutely! Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Just reheat with extra milk for a smoother texture.
Q9: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will give the best flavor and texture.
Q10: How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni is the perfect solution for busy nights when you need something quick, comforting, and totally satisfying. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor what’s not to love? Try it out and let me know what you think!
Print
10-Minute Chicken Macaroni
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Healthy Macaroni with Chicken is a quick and easy one-pan dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes! Made with shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella, and herbs, this light and flavorful version of macaroni and cheese is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Even picky eaters will love it!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped tomatoes, shredded chicken, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a sauce.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add ¼ cup water, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the macaroni and dill, ensuring the pasta is just covered with sauce (not submerged).
- Simmer Until Tender: Cook until the macaroni is tender (follow package instructions).
- Make it Cheesy: Stir in the mozzarella and let it melt, creating a creamy tomato sauce.
- Serve Immediately! Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
Notes
- Quick Cooking Tip: Use quick-cooking macaroni (3-5 minutes) or pre-cooked pasta to speed things up.
- More Flavor: Add basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for a twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap mozzarella for nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
- Extra Protein: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg