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Everyday Kitchen Ideas
Dinner

Chicken Mac and Cheese Pasta Recipe

Creamy, cheesy chicken macaroni tossed in a homemade white cheese sauce, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly.

Preparation
30-45 minutes
Servings
5-6
Creamy chicken mac and cheese pasta baked with a golden cheesy breadcrumb topping, black olives and herbs.

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN

  • cooking oil — 2–3 tbsp
  • chopped garlic — 1 tbsp
  • boneless chicken cubes — 350 g
  • paprika powder — 1 tsp
  • salt, or to taste — ½ tsp
  • black pepper powder — ½ tsp
  • chopped capsicum — ½ cup

FOR THE WHITE CHEESE SAUCE

  • butter — 4 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour — 2–3 tbsp
  • full-cream milk — 750 ml
  • paprika powder — ½ tsp
  • crushed black pepper — ½ tsp
  • dried oregano — ½ tsp
  • salt, or to taste — ½ tsp
  • Italian seasoning — 1 tsp
  • cream, at room temperature — 100 ml
  • grated cheddar cheese — ½ cup
  • grated mozzarella cheese — ½ cup

FOR THE MACARONI

  • macaroni, boiled until ¾ done — 300 g

FOR THE TOPPING

  • breadcrumbs — ½ cup
  • salt, or to taste — ¼ tsp
  • black pepper powder — ½ tsp
  • paprika powder — ½ tsp
  • dried oregano — ½ tsp
  • melted butter — 3 tbsp
  • grated cheddar cheese — ¼ cup
  • grated mozzarella cheese — ¼ cup
  • Black olives, as needed
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Step 1: Cook the Chicken

    Heat oil in a frying pan. Add chopped garlic and sauté briefly. Add chicken cubes and cook until they change color. Add paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix well and cook until the chicken is tender and the moisture has dried, about 3–4 minutes. Add chopped capsicum, mix well, and set aside.

  2. Step 2: Prepare the White Cheese Sauce

    Melt butter in a wok. Add flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Add paprika, crushed black pepper, oregano, salt and Italian seasoning. Whisk and cook until the sauce thickens. Reduce the flame to low. Add cream and whisk until smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce.

  3. Step 3: Combine the Macaroni and Chicken

    Add the ¾-boiled macaroni and cooked chicken to the cheese sauce. Mix everything well until evenly combined.

  4. Step 4: Prepare the Topping

    In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano and melted butter. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese and mix well.

  5. Step 5: Assemble the Pasta

    Grease a baking dish with a little cooking oil. Add the macaroni mixture and spread evenly. Cover the top with the breadcrumb-and-cheese mixture.

  6. Step 6: Bake

    Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake for 15 minutes using the top grill, until the topping is golden and bubbly.

  7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with fresh parsley, black olives and fresh coriander. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Mac & Cheese Pasta!

Tips for the Best Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Boil the macaroni until it is about three-quarters cooked so it can finish cooking in the sauce and oven.
  • Whisk the milk into the flour gradually to help prevent lumps and create a smooth white cheese sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to low before adding the cream, cheddar and mozzarella to help keep the sauce smooth.
  • Spread the breadcrumb, butter and cheese topping evenly over the pasta for a golden, cheesy crust.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C using the top grill for about 15 minutes, watching closely until the topping is golden and bubbly.