Description

This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Juicy chicken, tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce come together in one delicious dish. It’s kid-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if sautéing chicken)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Add chicken and pasta: Mix in the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan on top and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Add a dash of hot sauce or mustard to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Swap in cauliflower or spinach if you’re out of broccoli.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg