Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli in one irresistible meal? Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli is not just a recipe—it's a game-changing comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, this dish promises to be the star of your dining table, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, steam broccoli florets in a separate pot or steamer basket for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Drain cooked macaroni and return to the pot. Add shredded chicken and steamed broccoli florets to the pasta.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Gently stir to combine and ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional shredded cheese if desired. Let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.
Tips
- For the creamiest cheese sauce, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and prevents a grainy texture.
- Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce while standing.
- Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull.
- Whisk the milk and cheese sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth consistency.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little warm milk to thin it out. If too thin, continue cooking to reduce and thicken.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after combining to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
