Creamy One-Pot Macaroni Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
Oh boy, let me tell you about this creamy one-pot macaroni cheese with chicken and broccoli. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, you know? Picture gooey cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all snugly mixed together with pasta. It just has this way of making everything feel… right, especially after a long day. Plus, it’s in one pot so… less cleanup, which is always a win, right? I can almost hear the kids (and adults too) asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Crave It
- Comfort food, but with a twist—chicken and broccoli makes it kind of fancy, but not really!
- The creamy cheese sauce… oh my, it’s like melted dreams!
- Easy clean-up! Seriously, one pot is like chef’s kiss.
- Perfect for family dinners… or cozy nights in with a movie.
- Leftovers? Yes please! Tastes even better the next day—if there are any left!
I swear, my family fights over the last spoonful of this… it’s a real thing!
What You’ll Need
- Elbow macaroni: 2 cups of those little joyful pasta shapes
- Chicken breast: 1 pound, diced into bite-sized pieces, so they cook perfectly
- Broccoli: 2 cups, fresh or frozen, whatever you have on hand
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded, because more cheese equals more happy
- Cream cheese: 4 ounces, for that extra creaminess
- Milk: 2 cups, whole or whatever you have stashed away
- Chicken broth: 1 cup, for flavor magic
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, just because
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon, for a little extra kick
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to taste
- Pepper: ½ teaspoon, just for balance
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the chicken nicely
- Breadcrumbs: for topping (optional)—a little crunch never hurts!
- Parsley: for garnish (optional), makes it look nice!
Easy How-To
Get Cooking!
First things first… chop up that chicken breast into little, bite-sized pieces. Don’t stress about perfection, just make sure they’re manageable. Toss some salt and pepper on them, and then heat a large pan with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. In go the chicken pieces—they should sizzle just right. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re lightly browned. Now, toss in your broccoli during the last few minutes; you want it tender but still a bit bright green. Take that out and set it aside… smells great already, right?
Next up, let’s sauté some aromatics. In the same pan (remember one pot!), if it’s looking a little dry, add a touch more oil and toss in some onion and minced garlic. Cook until things get all translucent and fragrant. Ah, the aroma… it’s the best! Then, sprinkle in a bit of flour and stir for about a minute to cook that raw flavor out. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring non-stop. Bring that bubbling goodness to a simmer… oh, it’s thickening, yay!
Now for the fun part—cheese! Lower the heat and start adding in your shredded cheddar cheese a bit at a time, stirring, stirring until it’s all melted and smooth. Season it with more salt, pepper, or whatever spices you’re feeling. Can you taste it in your mind already?
Time to bring it all together! Add your cooked macaroni, chicken, and broccoli into that luscious cheese sauce. Stir, stir, and make sure everything is coated evenly. Transfer it to a greased baking dish—if you love crispy tops, sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top. Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until that top gets a nice golden brown. Just wait for it… the smell wafting through your kitchen will be divine!
Good to Know
- Pasta swaps? Sure! Any short pasta will work—penne, fusilli… you name it.
- Mix up your cheese game! Try mozzarella, Gouda, or whatever you love.
- This makes awesome leftovers! Store in an airtight container for about three days… or freeze for up to two months.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a simple side salad or some warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Top Tricks
- If you want to jazz it up, add some hot sauce or spices—make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap pretty much any pasta shape you like. Just keep an eye on cooking times to make sure it’s all good!
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For sure! Just ditch the chicken and throw in extra veggies, or even a meat substitute if you want that heartiness.
How do I store leftovers?
Put those leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll be ready for you later!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but do let it cool completely first, then wrap it tight. It should be good for about a month!
What cheese works best for this recipe?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is pretty much my fave, but you can totally play around with your favorites!
So, there you have it! This creamy one-pot macaroni cheese with chicken and broccoli is definitely a dish you’ll want to whip up time and time again. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
