This quick Mac and Cheese with Chicken is silky, creamy, comforting and delicious. Ready to eat in 25 minutes!
Mac and Cheese with Chicken
I love stove top Mac & Cheese. I love the baked version too but this version is so quick and easy and adding shredded rotisserie chicken adds a whole new flavour dimension.
When we went to Italy a few years ago, we had a Pasta making class at the place we stayed at and they placed great emphasis on using the Pasta water almost as an ingredient to aid in emulsifying the sauce which results in a silky sauce that is thicker, creamier and clings better to the Pasta. So in this recipe we reserve some of the Pasta Water and add it to the sauce to help emulsify it.
Ingredients in Mac and Cheese with Chicken
- Macaroni Pasta
- Butter
- Plain Flour
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Granules
- Cayenne Pepper
- Mustard Powder
- Milk
- Salt and Pepper
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese (I like a strong Mature one)
- Parmesan
- Hot Sauce (Optional)
How to make Mac and Cheese with Chicken
- Cook Pasta according to pack instructions minus 2 minutes. Drain, making sure you reserve a ladleful of Pasta Water.
- Melt butter in a pot and add Flour, Garlic Granules, Mustard Powder, Smoked Paprika and Cayenne Pepper. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the Milk and Pasta Water until it is lump free. Simmer for 5 – 8 minutes until thickened. Season with Salt and Pepper.
- Take off the heat, then stir in the Cheese, rotisserie Chicken and Hot Sauce if using.
Variations
This is a highly adaptable recipe, and you can chop and change it as you like. Here are some suggestions:
- You can use any shape Pasta that you like – Fusilli, Farfalle, Penne all work well.
- Use Ground Meats instead.
- Use Prawns instead.
- Add toasted Nuts and Seeds for a little bite.
- Change up the Seasonings.
- Add some Hot sauce to Chilli Oil.
- Throw in some Jalapeños.
- Add a variety of Veg e.g. Mushrooms, Sweetcorn, Broccoli.
- Add Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Chard or Kale.
Top tip for making Mac and Cheese with Chicken
Always grate your own Cheese where possible. Pre grated Cheeses usually have a coating on them which stops them from clumping together in the bag but it also stops them from melting as smoothly. In this recipe, the cheese is one of the most important elements, so I wouldn’t recommend store brought grated cheese.
What to serve with Mac and Cheese with Chicken
Roast Vegetables with Feta and Pine Nuts
More Pasta Recipes you may like:
**If you make this recipe, please rate/comment/dm us. We love to hear from you! Safira x
Mac and Cheese with Chicken
This quick Mac and Cheese with Chicken is silky, creamy, comforting and delicious. Ready to eat in 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 300 g Macaroni Pasta
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 2 ½ tbsp Plain Flour
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Garlic Granules
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp Mustard Powder
- 800 ml Milk
- Salt & Pepper
- 75 g Mozarella Cheese
- 300 g Cheddar Cheese I like a strong mature one. Grated
- 50 g Parmesan Cheese Grated
- ½ Rotisserie Chicken Shredded
- Few Drops Hot Sauce Optional
Instructions
-
Cook Pasta according to pack instructions minus 2 minutes. Drain over a pot, making sure you reserve a ladleful of Pasta Water.
-
Melt butter in a pot and add Flour, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Granules, Cayenne Pepper and Mustard Powder. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes stirring to combine.
-
Gradually whisk in the Milk and Pasta Water until it is lump free. Simmer for 5 - 8 minutes until thickened. Season with Salt and Pepper.
-
Take off the heat, then stir in the Cheese, rotisserie Chicken and Hot Sauce if using.
Recipe Notes
Top tip for making Mac and Cheese with Chicken
Always grate your own Cheese where possible. Pre grated Cheeses usually have a coating on them which stops them from melting as smoothly. In this recipe, the cheese is one of the most important elements, so I wouldn't recommend store brought grated cheese.
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