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Chicken Alfredo Mac and Cheese

A comforting dish that combines creamy chicken Alfredo with cheesy mac and cheese, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 690
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Cook the elbow macaroni as per the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
Combining and Baking
  1. Once the sauce begins to thicken, reduce heat and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and sharp cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
  2. Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the sauce, stirring until everything is well coated. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and ground nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
  4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
  5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for added color and freshness.

Notes

Consider using rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap out the cheeses for your favorites—just ensure they’re halal-friendly. Monitor baking closely during the last 10 minutes to ensure the top doesn’t burn while achieving a nice golden color. Avoid overcooking the pasta initially; it will continue to soften as it bakes in the dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.