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Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake

Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake
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Warm up with a creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake, featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh mushrooms, macaroni pasta, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This comforting, family-friendly dish is easy to prepare using simple pantry staples, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, and offers versatile options to customize with different cheeses, herbs, or dietary adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 200g fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 250g macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 50g butter
  • 50g all-purpose flour
  • 600ml milk
  • 200g shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • Extra handful of shredded cheddar cheese (about 50g)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta and chicken: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then pan-fry until golden and cooked through. Once cooled, slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté mushrooms and aromatics: In the same pan, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until soft and browned, enhancing their earthiness and moisture.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: Create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth. Gradually pour in milk while stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky.
  4. Combine all components: Gently mix the cooked macaroni, chicken pieces, sautéed mushrooms, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well coated in the creamy sauce.
  5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with breadcrumbs and an extra handful of shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Perfect pasta texture: Slightly undercook macaroni as it will continue cooking in the oven to avoid mushiness.
  • Cheese blend: Combining sharp cheddar with a milder cheese like mozzarella adds depth and meltability.
  • Season in layers: Season the chicken, sauce, and combined mix lightly throughout to build consistent taste.
  • Use fresh mushrooms for better browning and texture.
  • Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
  • Add a mix of breadcrumbs and melted butter before baking for a crunchy, golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, mushroom, macaroni cheese, bake, comfort food, family meal, creamy, cheesy, easy dinner, one dish meal

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/chicken-and-mushroom-macaroni-cheese-bake/