Chicken N Macaroni Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish combining tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and cheesy macaroni, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chicken breast, skinless ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped ⓘ
- 15 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fat-free Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 14 oz. macaroni and cheese dinner ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. reduced fat margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. unbleached flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 2 whole egg whites, slightly beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken and chopped onions to the skillet.
- Cook until chicken is no longer pink and onions are tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and basil.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Prepare macaroni and cheese dinner according to package directions, using skim milk and fat-free margarine.
- Spread the chicken mixture onto the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Top the chicken mixture with the cooked macaroni and cheese dinner.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the chicken mixture. If you want to add some vegetables, frozen peas or spinach can be stirred in just before assembling the casserole. You can also substitute ground turkey for the chicken for a different flavor. This dish can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken N Macaroni Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing can enhance the flavors of the salad. For a fun twist, serve alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also explore more American recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken N Macaroni Bake contains roughly 1362 calories, with 31g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 767mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken N Macaroni Bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I use regular macaroni and cheese instead of the dinner kit?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use homemade macaroni and cheese, just prepare it according to your favorite recipe. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to the boxed version for the best results in this bake.
What can I substitute for the skim milk?
You can use any type of milk, including almond or soy milk, if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure that the alternative milk is unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).