Description
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort meal made with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
7. For a crispy topping, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, and bake 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Add spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for an even creamier texture.
To lighten the dish, substitute 2% milk or reduced-fat cheese.
You can assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg